Ear Conditions PDF

○ Ear Conditions Ear Wax Impaction (Cerumen Impaction) Background: ○ Earwax (cerumen) naturally protects the external ear canal by trapping foreign particles. ○ The ear canal is self-cleaning, moving earwax from the canal to the external su...

○ Ear Conditions Ear Wax Impaction (Cerumen Impaction) Background: ○ Earwax (cerumen) naturally protects the external ear canal by trapping foreign particles. ○ The ear canal is self-cleaning, moving earwax from the canal to the external surface. Symptoms of Impaction: ○ Gradual hearing loss. ○ Feeling of fullness in the ear. High-Risk Groups: ○ Young children. ○ Older adults. ○ Hearing aid users. ○ Individuals with cognitive impairments. ○ Residents of aged care facilities. Treatment: ○ Cerumenolytic agents: Olive oil, docusate, carbamide peroxide, saline to soften and disperse wax.  ○ Irrigation: Performed by a GP or nurse using gentle pressure, but not recommended for self-use. ○ Manual removal: ENT specialists may use microsuction or manual tools. Red Flags for Referral: ○ Pre-existing ear pathology. ○ History of ear surgery. ○ Perforated eardrum or grommets. ○ Suspected infection (e.g., fever, malaise). ○ Trauma or pain. ○ Foreign body in the ear. ○ Sudden loss of hearing or treatment failure. Self-Care Tips: ○ Avoid using cotton buds or electronic ear cleaner devices with cameras. ○ Over 30% of impacted ears clear naturally within 5 days. Acute Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear) Background: ○ Inflammation of the ear canal, often following water exposure (e.g., swimming). ○ Symptoms include pain, itchiness, and hearing loss.  ○ Referral is recommended for otoscopy to rule out bacterial or fungal infections. Prevention: ○ Gently clear water from the external ear after swimming or bathing: Lie on the affected side to let water drain naturally. Use gravity or a towel to remove excess water. Create a vacuum by pressing the palm against the ear and then releasing. ○ Use OTC ear drops (acidifying or alcohol-based) to prevent water retention and bacterial growth. Triggers to Avoid: ○ Prolonged water exposure. ○ Abrasive cleaning methods (e.g., cotton buds). Red Flags for Referral: ○ Suspected infection. ○ Pain unrelieved by simple analgesia. ○ History of surgery or perforation (e.g., grommets). Acute Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection) Pathophysiology:  ○ Commonly occurs in children following an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). ○ Viral infections can spread to the middle ear via the Eustachian tube, leading to fluid/pus accumulation and tympanic membrane inflammation. Symptoms: ○ Ear pain (primary symptom). ○ Irritability, ear tugging/rubbing (in children). ○ Hearing loss or blocked sensation. ○ Fever, sometimes associated with fluid discharge if the eardrum ruptures. Treatment: ○ Symptomatic relief: Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever. ○ Antibiotics: Typically not required, as most cases resolve within 2–3 days. Antibiotics may be considered for: Infants