Deafness can vary from mild to severe. Deafness at birth is called congenital deafness and that which occurs after birth is called adventitious deafness. The causes of adventitious deafness are many. Lifestyle has a vital responsibility for cause of hearing loss and one of the main causes of adventitious deafness is noise. Some common causes of deafness are:

• Hereditary Disorders: Hereditary deafness happens when the parents pass the defect on to their children. It means that people are born deaf and this is generally caused by the malformations of the inner ear.

• Genetic Disorders: Genetic deafness occurs when the baby is in the mother’s womb.

• Prenatal Exposure to Disease: When pregnant mothers suffer from rubella, influenza or mumps, the baby born will either be deaf or will have some hearing problem.

• Noise: Loud noise like gunshots, firecrackers, explosions and rock concerts tends to damage the ear mechanisms. A single exposure to loud noise does not damage the eardrum. Repeated exposure to sound over a long period of time will affect the ear with moderate to severe hearing loss.

• Disease: There are certain diseases that cause loss of hearing such as meningitis, mumps, chicken pox and cytomegalovirus. In the case of meningitis, the inner ear tends to become inflamed which leads to deafness.

• Trauma: A hole in the eardrum, a fractured skull or changes in air pressure lead to deafness.

• Wax: The ear canal produces a waxy substance, which is useful in lubricating and protecting the tissues. This has to be cleaned out once in a while. If not done, the wax will build leading to short term deafness. Even foreign substances such as the tip of a cotton bud or a hairpin can cause hearing loss if they puncture the eardrum. This is not too serious as the eardrum heals on its own, although it can take a few weeks.

• Excess Mucus: Excess mucus is caused either due to the common cold, hay fever or other allergies. This blocks the Eustachian tube, which leads to loss of hearing.

• Ear Infections: During an ear infection, the fluid and pus fills in the middle ear. This does not allow full transmission of sound and leads to partial hearing.

• Drugs: There are certain drugs like chloroquine, which lead to temporary deafness.

• Age-related Hearing Loss: This type of hearing loss is commonly found in old people. This is normal and rarely leads to deafness. Age-related hearing loss also known as ‘presbycusis’ begins with loss of certain speech sounds like ‘S’, ‘F’ and ‘T’.

• Tinnitus: Tinnitus is the ringing sound in the ears. Middle ear infection and damage caused by loud noises can cause tinnitus. This disease can cause psychiatric symptoms.

• Occupational Hearing Loss: Men working in bars, pubs, and nightclubs are liable to have their sense of hearing impaired. Such people are exposed to loud noise most of the time. The deafness is caused by the damage to the hair cells of the organ of Corti in the cochlea.

In addition to the above causes of deafness, there are many unknown causes. Loss of hearing is a serious problem. Some say it is worse than losing one’s sight. People lose their quality of life due to the isolating nature of the condition.

Pete Townshend of The Who has been an outspoken critic on hearing loss. He attributes his own hearing loss to headphones at recording sessions. Townshend has been warning young people about Walkman and iPod use. He says, “My intuition tells me there is terrible trouble ahead.” Townshend regrets his own hearing loss and wants to save others from the same self-inflicted disability. Townshend revealed, “Hearing loss is a terrible thing because it cannot be repaired.”

Here are some comparisons of noise levels and possible damage:

• Sustained exposure causing possible hearing loss – 90-95dB
• Walkman on 5/10 – 94dB
• Power mower – 107dB
• Amplifier rock, 4-6′ – 120dB
• Pain begins at a level of about 125dB
• Rock music peak 150dB

Of course, Pete Townshend isn’t the only rock and roller to have hearing problems. Hearing loss is wide-spread in the industry. Kevin Shields, guitarist/singer for My Bloody Valentine, says “I did the damage to my ears listening to mixes in headphones at very loud levels without giving my ears time to recover.” Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac had a similar experience, “I was a major glutton for volume: ‘Gotta feel it, gotta hear it.’ Sooner or later you’re going to pay the reaper.”

Apple Computers is listening to the problem. They are now offering volume controls on two of its new iPod models, which enable the listener to set volume maximums lower than the manufacturer.

“In a world in which hearing problems are real, concerns are mounting and lawyers are looking to make gadget providers liable, the maker of the iPod music player has created new volume controls.”
– It’ll still play the Ramones – Associated Press Article by May Wong

Sometimes change comes about by speaking out, like Pete Townshend, and sometimes change comes about by litigation. Early in 2006 a lawsuit was filed in Louisiana concerning iPod and hearing loss. Other manufacturers of listening devices are now issuing warnings and encouraging “listening responsibly.”

Because if his own hearing loss and his efforts for hearing loss prevention, Pete Townshend has been nominated to the Rock and Roll Hard of Hearing Hall of Fame. The mission of the Rock and Roll Hard of Hearing Hall of Fame is to educate music lovers in safe listening procedures.

Younger and younger cases of tinnitus are being reported and it has been suggested that this is due to the excessive use of iPods. Do not be discouraged from using an iPod just avoid raising the volume so loud to the extent that other people around you can hear it. You can also prevent tinnitus by eliminating alcohol and beverages containing caffeine from your diet along with smoking and tobacco products. Nicotine and tobacco may cause tinnitus by reducing the blood circulation to the structures of your ears. If you already have tinnitus it is suggested that staying within a healthy weight range can help reduce or even stop the ringing in your ears. Statistically it has been shown that tinnitus occurs more frequently in obese adults. Getting your daily amount of vitamins can also significantly decrease your chance of getting tinnitus. Specifically getting enough B12 vitamin in your diet through milk, dairy products, meat, and eggs.

Truth: Do not put anything in your ear that is smaller than your elbow

Many people think that ears must be cleaned like our bodies to remain healthy. While ears do need to be kept clean, they actually clean themselves. How? The skin of the ear canal (cerumen) migrates outward and acts as a protector of the delicate eardrum. Many times, prodding, poking, or picking at this material pushes it back in, causing blockage and potential temporary hearing loss – or even accidental puncture of the eardrum. In that event, a serious injury to the hearing bones can result in the need for emergency surgery.

And if itchy ears are often incorrectly relieved using cotton swabs the repeated scratching can cause a thickening of the ear canal, much like a callous. This pushes wax even deeper into the ear canal.

But some ear canals don’t remove the wax like they are supposed to – they are too narrow, so the natural cleaning process cannot do its job. In this case, ear wax accumulates. So how do you know if your ears are cleaning themselves properly?

If your ears are not clean, they may feel gummy and you may be tempted to grab that cotton swab or key. And if wax completely obstructs your ear canal, you may experience hearing loss. But don’t take matters into your own hands! Visit your ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) doctor, who can safely remove the wax build-up.

But if you want to try alleviating the wax at home, gently clean the outer portion of your ear canal with a wet washcloth. If your ear still feels blocked, you should call your doctor and have the cerumen removed.

The next best thing is to gently irrigate the ear canal with 3% hydrogen peroxide, using a small rubber ear syringe. Then dry the ear canal with a hair dryer set on a medium temperature; hot temperatures can cause temporary dizziness due stimulation of the balance canals.

Myth: If my ear hurts, I must have an infection

Truth: Pain is usually caused by something less severe

One major cause of ear pain is inflammation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ joint lies adjacent to the ear canal. Because of this close proximity, many of the same pain nerves are shared.

Swimmer’s ear (External Otitis) is another common cause of ear pain. It’s the result of the ear canal becoming and staying wet. This warm, wet, and dark environment is the perfect place for bacteria and fungus to live and multiply, causing an infection.

Another cause of ear pain is otitis media, an infection in the middle ear. This infection occurs after an upper respiratory infection reaches the middle ear, via the Eustachian tube.

Neuralgia, an inflammation of the nerves around the ear, can cause excruciating pain that feels like jabbing or stabbing inside the ear.

So how do you know what’s causing your ear pain?

TMJ is indicated if you press on the jaw joint while opening and closing the mouth and its hurts or is tender. A swimmer’s ear infection may be your problem if gently pulling on your outer ear hurts.

Otitis media and neuralgia are generally accompanied by sharper pain originating deeper in your ear. Otitis media is normally accompanied by pus draining into your ear canal through a perforation in the ear drum.

By now you’re wondering, Can I treat any of these problems myself?

Although TMJ inflammation should be managed by a dentist, you can temporarily relieve the discomfort by eating a soft diet; placing a warm heating pad on the affected jaw joint twice daily; or by taking anti-inflammatory medications. But if the pain still persists after a few days of home treatment, you must consult a dentist that specializes in TMJ pain.

Swimmer’s ear can be prevented by filling the ear canals with rubbing alcohol after every swim. Let it site for a couple of minutes, then draining the alcohol and dry your ears with a hair dryer set on medium temperature. Once swimmer’s ear infection occurs there can be a tendency for recurrence when the ear gets wet. Then it is even more important to treat your ears with alcohol after each and every swim.

If your pain is significant and comes from deep in your ear, you should seek treatment by an ENT doctor right away. Using special instruments, your doctor will clean the ear canal and prescribe antibiotics (either drops or oral medication) to eliminate any infection.

Myth: Popping my ears is dangerous

Truth: Popping your ears is rarely dangerous

While you can have problems with your Eustachian tubes – the part of your ear that “pops” – rarely is the act of popping them the problem.

So what are some of the problems you might encounter with your Eustachian tubes?

One is blocked Eustachian tubes. The Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear cavity with the throat, aerating the middle ear when you swallow and draining mucous and secretions from the middle ear into the throat. Often a cold or sinus infection will cause the Eustachian tube membranes to swell. When this happens the Eustachian tube is not able to function, causing pressure and stuffiness in your head. Your
hearing may feel diminished, and fluid may accumulate in the middle ear.

Another potential problem is abnormally open (patulous) Eustachian tubes. This is an uncommon cause of ear stuffiness and usually occurs when someone loses weight. When your Eustachian tube is open it can cause the sensation that your voice is loud or has an echo (autophony), like you are inside a drum. It may also cause a sensation of hearing air “whoosh” when you breathe through your nose.

So how can you tell if you have blocked or open Eustachian tubes?

Pinch your nostrils closed and blow hard against them. If you cannot “pop” your ears, your Eustachian tubes are likely blocked by swelling of the mucus membranes. However, if you suddenly feel pressure relief you’ve probably just opened your Eustachian tubes and equalized the middle ear pressure with ambient air pressure.

This maneuver can be performed many times throughout the day to relieve blocked Eustachian tubes. There is no danger of harming your ears with this technique, but if you get dizzy you should see your ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) doctor.

To diagnose open Eustachian tubes, sit down and bend forward completely at the waist, putting
your head between your legs. If the pressure and stuffiness in your ear disappears you have open Eustachian tubes. Lying flat in bed will relieve the symptoms of open Eustachian tubes.

If popping your ears, bending forward from a seated position, or lying down do not relieve your ear pressure, your problem may be due to increased inner ear pressure and should be evaluated by an ear specialist.

If you have blocked Eustachian tubes over-the-counter medications such as decongestant nasal sprays can help shrink the membranes, relieving pressure in the ears. Flying in an airplane, skin diving, or
scuba diving should be avoided if there is blockage of the Eustachian tube, as landing or descending in the water will result in severe pain in the ears. If you must fly, taking Afrin® nasal spray (two sprays to each nostril) and a 30mg Sudafed® tablet one hour before descending. This will help open your Eustachian tubes, helping prevent ear pain. If symptoms persist, you should contact your ENT doctor.

Depending on the cause of your open Eustachian tube, your ENT doctor may recommend several different treatments. Treatments for increased inner ear pressure include prescribing diuretics or office surgery to deliver steroids to the inner ear.

Myth: Loud noises won’t hurt me because I’m young

Truth: Loud noises can damage anyone’s hearing, no matter their age

Damage to the ear can occur from exposure to loud noises like guns fire near the ear, industrial sounds, lawn and construction equipment, and music played too loud – especially via headphones.

But how do you know if you have hearing damage? If you experience ringing, stuffiness, or hearing loss after noise exposure, damage to the delicate cells of the cochlea has probably occurred.

Unfortunately, most hearing damage is permanent, so the best treatment is prevention. Ear protection should be worn in any noisy situation:

o loud work environments

o when using power tools and noisy yard equipment

o during firearm use

o when riding a motorcycle

o when exposed to loud music at concerts

But hearing protection doesn’t have to be bulky or ugly. Today’s ear plugs are practically invisible, and ear muffs can blend in if worn in the winter. Custom molded ear plugs are also available to ensure
an optimal fit in the ear canal. Additionally, some personal listening devices have volume limits, preventing excess noise exposure.

The good news is that for some cases a short course of steroids may reverse acute hearing damage.

Myth: There is no treatment for tinnitus; I just have to live with it

Truth: Many treatments can help tinnitus sufferers

Tinnitus is a very common hearing-related complaint – upwards of 50 million American adults have some degree of the hearing disorder. Tinnitus occurs as the little hair cells in the cochlea die, causing noise or ringing in the ear.

Although this ringing is not a serious problem, people experiencing it should be evaluated by an ENT doctor because it can indicate a more serious medical problem. When you are evaluated for tinnitus, your physician will perform special tests to determine the cause and recommend treatment if necessary.

So, what kinds of treatments are available for those with tinnitus? Currently several treatment options exist, including

o Masking tinnitus with outside noise such as music or TV. If the tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss, a hearing aid can increase outside noise, reducing the intensity of tinnitus.

o Low-salt diet.

o Electrical stimulation.

o Stress reduction.

o Bio feedback.

o Zinc, Ginkgo, garlic pills, and supplements including high level antioxidants.

o Brain retraining, in which a therapist works with you to train your brain not to hear the tinnitus.

Also, knowing that tinnitus is not a life-threatening problem may help you cope.

Myth: My parents went deaf, so I am bound to go deaf, too

Truth: Heredity is a factor in hearing loss, but not a certainty

Hearing loss is a combination of many factors: exposure to loud sounds, general health, heredity, and age. We are genetic products of our family, and hearing loss is no exception. And as we age, the tiny hair cells in the cochlea that lie closest to the middle ear begin to die, resulting in a high-tone hearing loss. But no one factor plays a more influential role than the others, so no one is “doomed to deafness.”

Normally a gradual process, hearing loss can occur quite suddenly – even overnight. If you suddenly notice that you can’t hear out of one ear, it is a medical emergency. Put the phone up to your ear; if you can’t hear the dial tone, see an ENT specialist as soon as possible. Hopefully it is just ear wax blocking the ear canal, but you need to visit an ENT to find out for sure.

Signs of more gradual hearing loss include

o Needing to turn the TV or radio turned up louder than other family members

o Asking people to repeat themselves all the time

o Your spouse says you don’t listen to him or her

o Sounds muffled, or distant

o You have trouble hearing from a cellular telephone

While hearing loss is certainly disappointing and inconvenient, it can be treated. Examination by an ENT doctor is necessary to make the correct diagnosis. This usually includes a hearing test and other special ear tests.

Once a diagnosis is made, treatment can begin. Treatment for sudden deafness is done with steroids either taken orally or placed directly into the ear. Additionally, a hearing device may be needed.

Treatment for the more common, progressive hearing loss that can reduce symptoms and effects includes a four-part program of healthy life style changes, including

o At least 30 minutes of daily exercise,

o Vitamin and mineral supplements,

o A healthy diet of veggies, fruits, whole grains, fish and lean meat, and

o Protection from excessive noise exposure.

Myth: There is no treatment for deafness in one ear

Truth: Two successful treatments exist for hearing loss in just one ear

There are two hearing devices that allow a person to hear from a deaf earCROS and BAHA.

CROS (Contra Lateral Routing of Signals) or Bi-CROS is a hearing aid that uses microphones to pick up sound from the deaf ear and transmit it to the hearing ear. As a result, the CROS aid allows sound to be heard from all directions, and even allows a telephone to be used in the deaf ear.

BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aid), or bone stimulator, picks up sound from the deaf ear and transmits it through the skull to the hearing ear. Minor surgery is required to implant a titanium screw behind the ear, serving as an anchor for the external processor, which holds the device. The results are excellent.

Herbert Silverstein, MD, FACS is president and founder of the Florida Ear & Sinus Center and the Ear Research Foundation, in Sarasota, FL. He has been consistently recognized since 1979 as one the “Best Physicians in the USA.” He has been a leader in Meniere’s Disease treatment for more than 25 years, developing surgical and diagnostic procedures; inventing instruments (such as the Microwick); teaching medical students, residents and fellows; and helping people from all walks of life.

Ear infections, or otitis (oto=ear, -itis=inflammation) can involve any part of the ear. Most commonly are infections of the outer ear or the ear canal called otitis externa, and the middle ear and ear drum, called otitis media. Of the two, otitis media is the more serious and the one most often referred to when your doctor diagnoses an “ear infection.” How the middle ear becomes infected is fairly straightforward. Why is not always so. There is a small tube, called the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear and the throat. It’s purpose is twofold. One is to open and close to allow fluid produced in the ear to drain out and into the throat and prevent other fluids from backing up into the ear. It’s second function is also to open and close for the purpose of normalizing air pressure. When we travel to a higher altitude and our ears “clog.” Swallowing causes them to “pop” because that action opens the eustachian tube allowing the pressure inside and out to equalize. Ear infections may develop when the eustachian tube does not open and close properly, allowing germ-laden fluids from the throat, along with secretions produced in the nose, to back up into the middle ear and not drain out. Colds and allergies may produce inflammation in the area and can be another cause for the eustachian tube to not function properly. As the immune system does it’s job to fight the infection, dead bacteria and white blood cells form pus which puts pressure on the eardrum as it builds up. The eardrum, or tympanic membrane, bulges outward under this build up, becoming painful as it is stretched. An older child will be able to tell you that there is something going on with their ear. With younger children you may notice them tugging at the ear or behaving differently, becoming either particularly irritable or perhaps very clingy. Fever may or may not accompany an ear infection and can be low or quite high. Occasionally the thin tympanic membrane tears, producing an alternative route for the pus to drain out. If this happens you may notice a discharge coming out of the ear. Don’t become alarmed if this happens. The body has rid itself of unwanted infected material and a torn eardrum will usually heal by itself rather quickly.

But why do some children seem to have one ear infection after another and others not. As mentioned above, the inflammation produced by a cold may ultimately lead to an ear infection. The more colds a child gets the higher the risk of frequent ear infections. Allergic reactions, especially to certain foods, are also associated with an increased incidence of ear infections. The top offender seems to be milk, and dairy products in general. In addition to being a very common allergen, dairy also increases mucous production, making bodily secretions thicker and harder to drain away. Other commonly associated allergens are wheat, as well as other gluten-containing grains such as rye, oats and barley. Eggs, corn, oranges and nuts may also be suspect. Diets high in sugar and fruit juices should also be looked at.

Two interesting studies have implicated both pacifiers and second hand smoke. A Finnish study published in the September, 2000 issue of the journal Pediatrics implicated pacifier use with an increased risk of ear infection in infants, as well as higher rates of tooth decay and thrush. The study found that children who used pacifiers continuously had 33% more ear infections than did those who never used them or used them only when falling asleep. A report on a Canadian study in the February, 1998 issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine showed that children residing with two smoking parents were 85% more likely to suffer from frequent ear infections than those who lived in smoke-free homes.

Another possible influence are childhood vaccinations. Although there is much controversy as to whether or not there is a direct relationship, a significant body of evidence suggests that there may be. From a homeopathic point of view, though, there are certain categories (called constitutional types) of people who, due to inherited influences, are more susceptible to vaccine reactions.

Serious complications of middle ear infections are rare but can and do occur. These include mastoiditis, an infection of the part of the skull bone just behind the ear, and meningitis, an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of mastoiditis may include swelling, redness, pain and tenderness in the bony area behind the ear. Symptoms of meningitis are severe headache and stiff neck. Vomiting, mental dullness and mood changes may also be involved. If evidence of either of these two complications are seen, a doctor should be consulted immediately. By far the most common complication of middle ear infections are the chronic ear problems that often follow. Serous otitis media, commonly known as “glue ear,” is an accumulation of non-infectious fluid in the middle ear. It can cause problems with hearing as the fluid interferes with normal motion of the eardrum.

So now that we know what it is and how it got there, what should be done about it? As is evident from the opening paragraph of this article, conventional western medicine treats this problem with antibiotics. And shouldn’t they? This is an infection, right? And infections have to be treated with antibiotics, don’t they? If not, who knows what could happen! This couldn’t be further from the truth. The purpose of this article is not to debate the pros and cons of antibiotics. No one argues that, used appropriately, they can save lives. But they have not been used properly. They have been over-prescribed and wrongly prescribed. So much so that an article in the New York Times on June 13, 2000, reported that “The World Health Organization, taking its first comprehensive look at drug-resistant diseases, concluded in a report released today that the effectiveness of antibiotics had been so eroded globally that some diseases that were once easily treatable are now often incurable. Misuse of antibiotics, including over prescribing, and their use to increase animal growth have made treating illnesses as diverse as ear infections, tuberculosis and malaria much more difficult, said the report from the health agency, part of the United Nations.”

A paper published in the July 23, 1997 issue of the British Medical Journal reproached doctors for prescribing antibiotics routinely for ear infections in their pediatric patients. It reported on an analysis of existing studies relating to such treatment and concluded that not only is the practice a waste of time and money, it appears to be harmful. Antibiotics don’t speed recovery (in fact, at least one previous study suggests that they lead to more recurrences) and promotes proliferation of stronger, drug-resistant bacteria. The British researchers estimate that 97 percent of physicians routinely prescribe antibiotics for ear infections. An editorial in the November 26, 1997 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, the largest medical journal in the world, citing this same study, encouraged physicians to stop all antibiotic use (except in very severe and recurrent cases) for this most commonly treated infection in childhood.

The RAND corporation’s Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC), conducting research for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, discovered some interesting facts regarding the management of acute ear infections. They found that nearly two-thirds of children with uncomplicated ear infections are free of pain and fever within 24 hours of diagnosis without antibiotic treatment, and that over 80% recover completely within 1 to 7 days. 93% of children treated with antibiotics recover within that same 1 to 7 days. The researchers also found that the newer and more costly antibiotics, such as cefaclor, cefixime, azithromycin, or clarithromycin, provided no additional benefit to children than amoxicillin. Amoxicillin caused fewer side effects than the other antibiotics as well. The EPC also found no evidence that short-duration (5 days or less) versus long-duration therapy (7-10 days) made a difference in the clinical outcome for children over 2 years of age. More than 5 million cases of acute ear infections occur annually, costing about $3 billion. The report points out that in other countries otitis media is not treated with drugs at the first sign of infection. Rather, in children over the age of 2 years, the norm is to watch and see how the infection progresses over the course of a few days. The report notes that in the Netherlands the rate of bacterial resistance is only about 1%, compared with the US average of around 25%.

The conventional western medical treatment for children who develop chronic otitis media is a surgical procedure called a tympanostomy. This involves the insertion of small tubes into the ear drum to drain away the fluid build up. The rationale behind this approach is that the reduced hearing caused by the condition may lead to long-term speech and hearing problems, and even behavioral and intellectual impairments. What I often hear from parents is that they have been told their child will go deaf if the procedure is not performed. Again, the current research does not bear this out. A study published this year (April 19, 2001) in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that children with persistent otitis media who get the tubes inserted immediately do not show measurable improvements in developmental outcomes. And this procedure is, by no stretch of the imagination, without it’s risks. The editorial which accompanied the NEJM article stated that “The tubes often lead to long-term anatomical changes in the tympanic membrane, especially tympanosclerosis [hardening of the ear drum,] retraction, and changes in mobility. What happens, for example, to hearing and the mobility of the tympanic membrane in middle-aged persons who had tubes inserted in childhood?” Not to mention that in any procedure requiring anesthesia, there is always the possibility of death!

Now that we have an understanding of what causes this all too common problem and know how not to treat it, let’s talk about what to do. As with any illness, first and foremost is prevention. And the best preventative for any infection is a strong immune system. For infants and small children, the best way to build their immune system is breast feeding. Breast milk is by far the most nutritious food for your child. For a more detailed discussion of this, and for alternatives for women who cannot or will not nurse, I refer the reader to Sally Fallon’s wonderful book, Nourishing Traditions, 1999, New Trends Publishing, Washington, D.C. Of course, prevention also means avoiding the various risk factors already discussed, such as providing your child with a smoke-free living environment, limiting the use of pacifiers, identifying and eliminating food allergies, limiting or removing sugar and fruit juices from the diet. If your child has already taken antibiotics, the use of probiotics, or “friendly bacteria,” is essential. Antibiotics destroy not only the “bad germs,” but also the good ones which reside in our gut. These bacteria are an important part of our body’s natural defense. A study published in the January, 2001 issue of the British Medical Journal showed that the addition of probiotics reduced both the number of recurrences of, and complications from, otitis media.

Now, to the active treatment of acute otitis media. A well known alternative medicine practitioner and columnist, Dr. Joseph Mercola, advocates putting a few drops of breast milk (your own or, if you’re not lactating, someone else’s) into the ear every few hours. He claims that this will clear up most ear infections within 24-48 hours. While the thought of clearing up a case of otitis media in one to two days using only breast milk may sound great, for me this is still way too long for a child to suffer. The well selected homeopathic remedy will act gently and very quickly, often within minutes (see cases below.) But there are so many homeopathic remedies that are useful in treating ear infections. In fact, a search in my repertory (the book homeopaths use which list all symptoms and which remedies are associated with them) under ear pain shows 326 remedies, 114 specifically under middle ear pain and another 65 under inflammation of the middle ear. Obviously then, different remedies are needed to treat the same symptoms in different people. For the average person, choosing the right remedy from this list can seem a daunting task. An important point to understand is that homeopathic remedies should be taken one at a time. Taking several remedies at once (as is found in combination remedies sold in stores for this ailment or that) can be confusing to the body and is not recommended. If you don’t know what remedy to take it is better to consult with an experienced homeopath, who will know how to elicit the necessary information in order to make an appropriate remedy choice. If your child has already been prescribed a constitutional remedy (a remedy which covers your general constitution and not just the symptoms of a particular illness) that will be you first and best remedy choice in any acute situation, earache or otherwise. For chronic problems, including chronic otitis, a constitutional remedy becomes a necessity. However, it has been my experience that for most cases of acute, uncomplicated middle ear infections, just remember “ABC.” “ABC” stands for the homeopathic remedies aconitum, belladonna and chamomilla. Following is a brief description of each.

Fear and anxiety are the main feature of aconitum. The aconitum earache is notable for it’s sudden onset, often being brought on by exposure to the elements, especially a cold, dry wind. The pain is intense and there may be a high fever. The child will be restless and thirsty, and the ear may appear bright red.

The belladonna earache has severe pain. The ear will be red, hot and throbbing, as will be the eardrum, as seen with an otoscope. More often than not, the belladonna earache will be right-sided and worse at night. These may be brought on by changes in temperature, with the child getting chilled or becoming overheated.

With the chamomilla type earache, the pain seems unbearable in a child who is already the oversensitive type, especially to pain. The child who will respond well to chamomilla will be quite irritable and seemingly inconsolable, except when held or carried.

D.W., a 2 year old girl, could be heard screaming in the background of the message her mother left on my answering machine. “She’s got a terrible ear ache. She keeps tugging at her ear. I don’t know what to give her.” (The mother, a patient of mine, had a well supplied homeopathic medicine kit.) “Oh, we’re supposed to leave for vacation in 15 minutes.” When I returned the call a few minutes later I got their machine. Hoping they hadn’t left yet I asked several questions. A few minutes later there was another message back with the answers. “Right ear, red and hot to the touch.” I called back, only to get the answering machine again. A very frustrating game of phone tag. “Belladonna,” I said. About an hour later I received a call, this time from the car phone. There was silence in the background. “I gave her the belladonna just before we got into the car. Within five minutes she stopped crying and the redness and heat left her ear. She’s been sleeping ever since.”

The external ear includes the portion that is on the outside and the small canal which runs down as far as the eardrum. It is a collection of skin and other tissue such as cartilage and muscle. In most human being the muscles are merely remnants of the large muscles possessed by animals, so that few people are able to move their ears with any degree of celerity or satisfaction.

Plastic Surgery For Lop Ears

There are really few conditions affecting the external ear that are disturbing. Sometimes large portions of the ear may be absent at birth. Occasionally the ears project in an extremely unsightly manner. A these extraordinary appearances are controlled nowadays by the use of plastic surgery. An expert is able to fasten the ear back if it project exceedingly, to rebuild an ear out of other tissue if portions are missing and to modify the shape of the ear if it is of extraordinary shape.

Many mothers feel that the ear became a lop ear because the chill lay on his ear with the ear crumpled when he was small or because he wore his hat pressed down on the ears. There is no evidence that these factors are really of any importance. The fault is one of anatomical development. Manipulation of and bandaging the ears to hold then against the head will not correct the condition.

“Tin Ears”

One of the most common forms of injury to the external ear is the development of what the pugilist calls a “tin ear.” Repeated pounding on the ear results in the pouring out of blood into the tissues of the ear and surrounding areas. At first such swellings are bluish-red; they feel to the touch like dough. In the worst cases surgeons open the tissue and remove the clot of blood to prevent permanent thickening and swelling. They also apply special bandages to mold the ear and hold it in shape while repair is taking place.

Infection In Ears

Cases are on record in which living insects have entered the ear. They died and their bodies remained, gradually becoming surrounded by hardened wax, so that eventually the external canal was blocked and hearing lost entirely. Outside of the loss of hearing, no damage is likely to result. More damage comes from attempts to remove material from the ear than ‘ from the entrance of the material itself. It is not advisable for anyone to try to remove a foreign body from the outer ear if it cannot be washed out, unless he has had special training in this type of work.

Removing Foreign Objects

Several instruments have been developed for removing foreign objects. A bean or piece of chalk has been removed by the use of a probe with some adhesive material on the end. This becomes adherent to the bean or piece of chalk, which is then gradually withdrawn. Such performances are, however, best left to the experts.

A pimple or boil or any other infection in the tissue lining the external ear canal will cause intense pain, inflammation, swelling, and some fever, and should have prompt medical attention.

How To Avoid Ear Injuries

Far better than the attempt to treat such conditions when they develop is the application of simple laws of hygiene that tend to prevent infections in the ear. Increased bathing and swimming have multiplied the number of cases of infection in the ear arising from that source. Children should not be permitted to swim more than fifteen or twenty minute at a time. If they tend to have trouble with the ears they should not be permitted to dive. The child who complains of difficulties in hearing or of fullness in the head after swimming should give up the sport. This is nature’s way of warning against trouble.

The vast majority of infections of the ear are secondary to colds in the head and influenza. About 10 per cent of children with scarlet fever and measles develop infections of the ear. About 5 per cent of those with diphtheria develop infections of the ear. Other cases develop after mumps, typhoid fever, whooping cough, and similar infections.

Prompt care of children with various infectious diseases will determine the presence of infection early, and immediate application of proper treatment can prevent extension of the infection into the mastoid or inner ear.

Hygiene Of The Ear

An Irish doctor said that there are two kinds of deafness – one due to wax in the ear, which can be cured by washing it out, and the other not due to wax. Most people nowadays know enough about personal hygiene to keep their ears clean. Boils and pimples still occur, and there are still cases in which the removal of hardened wax is necessary. The cerumen, or wax in the ear, when it becomes hardened is most easily removed by the use of the ear syringe filled with slightly warm water. Harm can be done by needless or too frequent syringing. The syringe should be sterilized by boiling before using, and water should be previously boiled and used warm but not hot.

The person whose ear is to be syringed should sit in a good light, a towel should be put around the neck and tucked inside the clothing so as to prevent soiling it, a pan should be held at the edge of the ear so that the fluid which runs in will run into the basin and not down the patient’s neck. The ear is pulled slightly upward and backward to straighten out the passage. With the ear held in this position, the nozzle of the syringe, which has been filled and has all the air expelled, is placed just inside the outer opening of the ear. The water is then permitted to flow along the back wall slowly and without too great pressure, so as to permit return of the excess flow of water as the water goes in.

Special instruments are usually needed for removing foreign objects. A probe with adhesive at the end may attach itself to a foreign object which can then be pulled out. Usually experts have the instruments and can do this performance easily.

Middle Ear Infection, Or Otitis Media

Infection of the interior of the ear after a sore throat is not nearly so frequent as such infections used to be. The specific action against staphylococci, pneumococci, streptococci, and other germs that infect noses and throats wrought by the antibiotic drugs and sulfonamides has enormously reduced such complications. However, neglect of a sore throat  or a virulent infection may occasionally be followed by spread of the germs to the middle ear. One or both ears may be infected. The condition  usually begins with a pain in the ear and a high fever. The pain is continuous, but may be irregular, and is usually worse at night. When the, doctor looks at the eardrum it is seen to be bulging. If the drum is not opened the pressure may cause it to burst. Then a thin watery discharge will come out, often changing to thick creamy pus. When the eardrum is cut or bursts the pain stops immediately and usually the temperature falls.

Blow The Nose Properly

Often the middle ear is infected because a child has not learned how to blow the nose properly. The worst technique is to hold both nostrils tightly when blowing, since this forces the infected material from back of the nose into the middle ear. The proper technique requires that only one nostril be held and that blowing be gentle. Preferably, the handkerchief or disposable tissue should be held quite loosely over the opening of the nostrils.

Middle-ear infection may lead to some degree of deafness and, rarely, to permanent loss of hearing. Following an infection the child should be taken to a specialist-an otorhinolaryngologist-who will test the loss of hearing and do everything possible to stop the progress of infection and restore action to the damaged tissues of the ear.

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is fairly common. If you have had swimmer’s ear in the past, you have a higher risk of having it again. Moisture predisposes the ear to infection from water-loving bacteria such as Pseudomonas. Other bacteria, or rarely, fungus, can also cause infection. Most of the time, water can run in and out of the ear canal without causing a problem. A lot of swimming can wash away that wax protection and lead to these wet conditions in the ear canal. Bacteria grow and the ear canal gets red and swollen. When the ears are exposed to continual excessive moisture, many of the natural immune defences in the skin which line the ear canal are lost and, the ear becomes more susceptible to infection by bacteria.

Causes of Swimmer’s ear :

The common causes and risk factor’s of Swimmer’s ear include the following:

Swimmer’s ear occurs when your ears have been in the water for long periods of time.

Bony overgrowths in the ear canal called exostoses.

Persistent moisture in your ear from swimming, bathing or living in a humid environment.

Use of stereo headphones inserted into the ear.

Bacteria growth fostered by hair sprays or hair dyes in your ear.

Frequent diving.

Skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis, or seborrhea.

Symptoms of Swimmer’s ear

Some sign and symptoms related to Swimmer’s ear are as follows:

Decreased hearing.

Itching of your outer ear.

Swelling in your ear or lymph nodes in your neck.

Swollen ear canal.

Conductive hearing loss.

Redness of the outer ear.

Pus draining from your ear.

Fever is generally not present. If there is a fever, it is not usually high.

Treatment of Swimmer’s ear

Here is list of the methods for treating Swimmer’s ear:

Antibiotic ear drops or oral antibiotics.

Treatment for the early stages of swimmer’s ear includes careful cleaning of the ear canal and eardrops that inhibit bacterial growth.

Pain medication.

Mild acid solutions such as boric or acetic acid are effective for early infections.

Analgesics may be used if pain is severe. Putting something warm against the ears may reduce pain.

For more severe infections, if you do not have a perforated ear drum, ear cleaning may be helped by antibiotics.

Ear wax is produced by glands in the ear canal. So long as the ear canal remains a moist, the wax will remain the consistency of a warm candle. But just as a marching band can have too many tubas, the ear canal can build up too much wax.

Here’s how you discover a build-up of excess wax: ear pain, tinnitus (ringing or other phantom sounds), difficulty hearing, balance problems, and/or temporary deafness after you’ve submerged your head in water.

What Causes Excessive Ear Wax?

The presence of ear wax can be irritating and inconvenient, but the only real danger it poses is that it could shelter and incubate an ear infection. For most people, the wax sheds itself when you sleep and when you move your jaw. Presumably, big eaters and people who talk a lot have fewer problems.

Some people are more prone to yellow waxy buildup. Wax builds up due to overactive glands and aging. People with narrow ear canals, charmingly hairy ear canals, inflammatory skin conditions, or those who work in very dusty environments can also have problem ear wax. Sometimes it can be prevented through diet. Supposedly, a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids will discourage wax buildup. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in things like avocados, ground flax seed, walnuts, and certain fish, like salmon and albacore tuna. Pasteurized dairy products have been shown to have an irritating effect on some people’s ears, and this could produce a waxy reaction.

How to Remove Ear Wax

The more wax you get, the better it is to get rid of the stuff regularly to forestall any infections. When you shower, tilt your head slightly and briefly to let a little hot water run in one ear. Tilt your head to the other side to let the water escape. Do the same with the other ear. This may heat the wax to the point where it melts and runs out of your ears on its own. You may need nothing more.

But the stuff could still continue to build up. Fear not, there’s more you can do, assuming you don’t have a perforated ear drum, something your doctor would apprise you of after sticking a little scope in your ears.

If you’re too much of a cheapskate to go to the pharmacy and purchase some ear drops, you can heat olive oil to body temperature (no hotter!) and put a few drops in each ear. Use a bit of cotton to keep the stuff from running out and staining your collar. Do this for three or four days, then use an ear syringe or a large hypodermic syringe (without the needle, of course) to flush your ears with tepid water. Make sure you don’t get the tip of the syringe too close to your eardrum, which could make a blast of water dangerous.

At the drugstore, you can purchase a kit containing ear drops, an ear syringe, and a basin for catching the drainage. If you don’t know how to squeeze an ear syringe by yourself or are afraid of damaging your ear drum, go to the doctor’s office, where a nurse will clean your ears for you. They love doing things like that. If it’s still not budging, they may try to suction out the stubborn wax. Alternatively, the doc may simply go in with a little hook and pull it out. Don’t try that at home, people.

Warning!: Do not use Q-tips to clean your ears! In fact, don’t so much as stick your finger in there, as good as that may feel, because any of those things could damage your eardrum. At a minimum, they will be counterproductive and only push the wax deeper into the ear canal.

Ear Wax Candles?

But ear aches don’t have to be.

Ear aches are a common problem for many children. Some children can go through childhood with very few ear aches or none at all. Other children may stay at the doctor’s office with ear aches. In learning how to combat ear aches, it is important to learn what causes ear aches. This will help parents prevent ear aches in their children.

What causes an ear ache?

The tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose is called the Eustachian. This tube allows fluid drain out of the middle ear. However, if that tube’s lining is invaded by bacteria or viruses, the tube can become swollen and may fill up with a thick mucus. This leads to the inability of the fluid to drain normally. As bacteria grow in the fluid, pressure can build behind the ear drum and this causes pain.

Allergies, cold and other illnesses can cause the Eustachian tube to become blocked. When the adenoids become enlarged they can block the Eustachian tubes as well. These are all referred to as ear infections. They usually clear up within a week or two, but in the meantime they can be extremely painful and include fever and other symptoms. There are also times that an ear infection will last even longer than two weeks and may even become chronic. Additionally, even after the infection clears, the fluid can remain in the middle ear which can lead to even more infections and, in extreme cases, hearing loss.

What are symptoms of an ear ache?

Older children can tell you that their ear hurts. Their ear pain may also be accompanied with fever. Babies, however, and children who are too young to tell you where it hurts may cry or pull on their ear or ears. A child with an ear infection, regardless of age, may show signs of irritability, listlessness, have difficulty hearing and may not feel like eating or sleeping. This is particularly true with breastfed babies who have an ear ache. Because a breastfed baby suckles in a certain way that is different and more difficult than suckling from a bottle, this motion can irritate the baby’s sore ears causing him or her to “go off his feed.”

What is the treatment for ear aches?

There are several ways that a doctor may approach treating an ear ache. If the doctor suspects the infection to be bacterial, he or she may prescribe an antibiotic. Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol products) and ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin products) can offer some relief and reduce fever if it is present. Aspirin, however, is not recommended. Warm compresses or a heating pad applied over the ear may reduce the pain. There are also times when ear drops are prescribed.

When medications are prescribed, whether it is antibiotics or ear drops, it is imperative that they be administered as directed by the doctor. With antibiotics it is exceptionally crucial that they be given on time and that no doses are skipped.

What are some risk factors that may cause children to get ear aches?

Glue Ear mainly occurs in both ears and may be difficult to detect, since it is not painful doesn’t cause symptoms of an ear infection. Mostly it is due to a problem with the Eustachian tube that connects the middle ears to the back of the nose and throat.

The Eustachian tube normally plays an important role in maintaining equal air pressure between the outside and inside of the middle ear. When the tube becomes obstructed the air in the middle ear becomes absorbed, and the resulting vacuum draws fluid into the middle ear cavity from lining of ht ear (the mucosa).

Initially the fluid is thin and watery but eventually it becomes thick and tenacious, hence, the name “Glue Ear”. Because the middle ear is now filled with fluid rather than air, the haring is muffled. Obstruction of the tube may be due to repeated bacterial and viral upper respiratory track infections, enlarged adenoids or nasal allergy.

It is important to note that in children the Eustachian tube is more horizontal and smaller than in adults and this is one of the reasons why Glue Ear is relatively common in children.

Children are especially prone to Glue Ear because:

• Of frequent colds and sore throats
• In children, the adenoids (lymph tissues at the back of the nose that help protect against infection) are more likely to be enlarged, blocking the opening of the Eustachian tubes.

SOME RESEARCHERS also believe children are at higher risk if exposed to cooler climes or a smoky environment. Children with genetic conditions such as Downs Syndrome may have smaller Eustachian tubes and are more susceptible to Glue Ear.

Symptoms of Glue Ears.

Glue Ear in children can sometimes go unnoticed. However, there are few warning signs, such as

• Temporary hearing loss: This is the most common symptom.
• A stuffy feeling in the ears.

Glue Ear does not cause pain the way middle ear infections (otitis media) can. Children with Glue Ear sometimes have repeated episodes of earache or middle ear infections.

Changes in behaviors include tiredness and frustration, not responding when called, falling behind at school, preference to staying in isolation.

Diagnosing Glue Ear.

If your child is showing the following symptoms and you are unclear about their condition, it is advisable to check with your nearest ENT specialist.

Often doctors rely on one or several of the following tests to make the diagnosis. They’re Otoscopy, Audiometry and Tympanometry tests.

Treatment of Glue Ear.

Glue Ear does not always need treatment. Most physician prefer a conservative, or “wait and see”, approach to treat the problem. There is some debate about how effective medical treatments are and the mainstay of treating children with Glue Ear is with ventilation tubes (grommets)

The decision to operate and insert a grommet in the eardrum is dependent on many factors such as the patient’s age, whether there are recurrent middle ear infections, pain speech, delay learning or behavioral difficulties.

It can also depend on the appearance of the eardrum. (For instance whether there is a retraction pocket, which is a localized area of scarring that may lead to problems).

Young children with poor language development, pain or recurrent ear infection should have grommets inserted as soon as possible. Older children with fewer symptoms can be treated conservatively with regular follow-up visits in the outpatient clinic to monitor their hearing and the appearance of the ear drum.

The main objective of grommet insertion is to get rid of the fluid in the middle ear by allowing air to enter through the grommet, so temporarily by passing the problem. Normal hearing is restored once this objective is accomplished.