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June 24, 2025
In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, as we navigate through each day having to put up with the constant overload on our senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell), we often underestimate the actual extent of physical harm this onslaught causes without our tacit knowledge. Often, we fail to take the necessary precautions until it is too late.
Within this category, ear and hearing-related ailments account for a significant chunk of the diagnosed ailments. Irrespective of age, ear-related infections can be a traumatic experience, though they are particularly common among children. Recurring untreated ear infections can potentially lead to serious complications, including hearing loss. A study conducted in 2023 and published in the International Journal of Audiology observed that the general population prevalence of hearing loss (hearing thresholds >20 dB HL) in Malaysia alone was estimated at a staggering 21.5%.
This article aims to provide you with the basic information necessary to protect your hearing by understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ear infections, as well as offering preventive strategies to maintain optimal ear health.
It has been observed that undiagnosed and untreated ear infections generally graduate to be chronic in nature, lasting for more than three months at a stretch. This condition, referred to as Chronic Otitis Media, needs concerted long-term management and treatment. Listed below are a few safe and healthy methods of ear care to prevent infections and maintain your overall ear health.
Types of ear infections in adults are commonly categorised as outer ear infections (occurring outside the eardrum) and inner ear infections (occurring within the eardrum). The treatment methods are dependent on the location and cause of infection. Here are a few simple proactive prevention ideas to incorporate into your daily routine:
Swimmer’s Ears or Otitis Externa is a common bacterial infection prevalent among swimmers. It occurs primarily due to the extended presence of water in the outer canal of the ear, leading to an ideal environment for bacterial growth and infections.
Mouldable earplugs are an effective way to ensure that water does not enter the ears during swimming. For those who do not consider the option feasible, keeping the ears dry and clean post the swimming session by draining out water from the ear canal by pulling the earlobes in various directions and tilting the head back and forth is suggested.
The usage of sterile water to rinse the ears and drying with a towel is recommended. Care must be taken to avoid inserting the towel to clean the inner ear as this could simply exacerbate the infection.
It is highly recommended that you wear custom-fit earplugs to protect your ears from loud noises, such as those heard while attending a loud concert or at a noisy workplace or to protect your hearing as a musician.
Chemicals from cosmetics such as hair care and body care products can irritate and create an environment of excess moisture in the inner ear. Sufficient care must be taken to ensure they do not enter the inner ear canal during bathing. These can aid infections, and the aforementioned techniques of drying the ear should be meticulously followed to avoid these instances.
Sometimes, an itchy and irritable wax-filled ear compels us to use unsanitary foreign objects like earbuds, pens, hairpins, etc., to gouge and clean the ear. Other than the risk of an eardrum perforation leading to partial or full hearing loss, these actions may prove counterproductive by pushing the wax deeper into the eardrum in the process or causing an infection. Under such circumstances, an appointment with the ENT specialist or otorhinolaryngologist is recommended.
Instruments like in-ear noise cancellation earphones and headphones tend to retain bacteria and earwax over extended usage, and stringent care must be taken to ensure these are sanitised regularly to avoid infections.
Using sanitising agents like ethyl or isopropyl alcohol on an earbud to clean the earphones regularly is recommended. Care must be taken to use small quantities of disinfectant to ensure that it does not seep into the electronic items and tamper with their working.
A range of effective treatments exists to alleviate symptoms and resolve both outer and middle ear infections. Understanding the available options, from watchful waiting to antibiotic therapies and surgical interventions, is crucial for appropriate management and promoting ear health.
Antibiotics or antifungals aren’t usually offered for infections inside the ear, as they often resolve themselves and do not make any difference to the level of discomfort or pain. Usually, a period of “Watchful Waiting” is recommended by the doctor to start with. It is a medical approach where healthcare providers closely monitor a patient’s condition without immediately initiating treatment unless the condition worsens or new symptoms emerge.
In adults, if the infection doesn’t begin to resolve after 3 days, your doctor may prescribe you the appropriate medication based on the diagnosis.
For outer ear infections, based on the diagnosis made, doctors will likely prescribe you with:
The effectiveness of ear drops is directly dependent on the technique of usage, and care must be taken on proper administration for the most effective results.
Your doctor might suggest a myringotomy if an ear infection results in significant issues, fluid stays trapped in the ear for an extended period, or if you experience frequent ear infections. A small opening is made in the eardrum to allow fluids like water, blood, or pus to escape. This small tube, which typically comes out naturally within 6 to 18 months, helps drain the fluid and lets air in to keep the middle ear dry.
So, how to prevent hearing loss naturally? Well proactive methods, including regular checkups for good ear health are recommended the most. This is paramount for maintaining a lifetime of healthy hearing. By adopting the tips outlined in this guide – from practising adequate hygiene to seeking immediate medical attention when symptoms arise – you empower yourself to minimise the risk and impact of ear infections.
Remember that regular care and awareness are your strongest allies in preserving this vital sense, ensuring you can continue to engage fully with the sounds of the world around you.
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