EAR CARE

Like the eyes, the ears are complex and delicate organs. Indistinct hearing may be a temporary condition that can be easily corrected. It may also be a sign of impending deafness. In either case, only a physician can determine the exact reason for the hearing failure and prescribe corrective measures where possible. Studies show that one-tenth of the American population is hearing-impaired. More than 28 million Americans currently have some degree of hearing loss, from mild to severe, and the number is expected to soar in the coming years-reaching an astounding 78 million.

An ear infection is a bacterial or viral infestation in the ear. An ear infection is most commonly caused by trapped moisture in the ear and by minor injury to the ear canal. Bathing, Swimming, allergies, or even cleaning your ear with a cotton-tipped swab can lead to discomfort, bacterial growth, and infection. An ear infection results most often from swelling in the eustachian tube, a small tube that connects the ear to the nose. The ear is made up of an intricate system of tiny bones, organs, and membranes that produce the signals our brain interprets as sound. The pressure and moisture in this delicate system is regulated by the eustachian tube. An ear infection produces pus, fluid, fullness, pain, and inflammation within the ear. An ear infection may also cause fever, hearing loss, and dizziness. An acute or severe ear infection may even cause the eardrum to rupture or result from damage to the eardrum. An earache is usually a sign of an ear infection or ear damages. Ear infection occurs most often as a result of upper respiratory infection and swelling of the adenoids, which are found at the back of the nose. When the nose is blown, mucus and bacterial can be forced into the eustachian tube and cause blockage. As pressure and moisture build in the ear, a perfect environment for bacterial growth is produced.

The best way to avoid an ear infection is to maintain the health of nasal passages. When certain harmful bacteria enter the body, they attach to the membranes of the nose and throat and onto the ear. By regularly flushing away the pollen, dust, bacteria, and other irritants that cause mucus build up in the nose, ear infection can be managed and avoided.

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