May 06, 2006 05:23 AM
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(Updated May 06, 2006 05:29 AM)
Safe practices of ear care are important to prevent ear infection and damage to the hearing apparatus.
The OUTER EAR is called the pinna.
Ear piercing done in an unhygienic manner can cause infection.
If the ear cartilage gets infected, it is not only painful and difficult to treat, but can also leave a permanently deformed pinna.
Earrings can cause allergy of the ear lobe due to nickel impurities in the metal(even
pure gold earrings are not exempt).
The EAR CANAL is a blind tube leading to the ear drum.
Ear wax is a normal secretion, accumulation of excess of which may cause symptoms.
Scratching with a pin or matchstick can produce serious infections of the ear canal.
Fungal infections can occur in the monsoon and among swimmers.
Children and mentally unsound adults may insert foreign bodies in the ear. Do not put any instrument or pin to remove a foreign body.You may push it deeper and cause a ear drum perforation. Always consult a doctor for removal.
A live insect in the ear canal may be removed by holding a torchlight against the ear canal opening.If it does not come out, a few drops of oil may be put in the ear – the insect will drown and float out.
The EAR DRUM is a small membrane which separates the outer and the middle ear.
It can rupture following a slap or blow and after exposure to a blast from a rifle, fire-crackers or bomb.
The MIDDLE EAR contains air and a chain of 3 small bones which can be disrupted by a blow, blast or infection.
Fluid accumulation in the middle ear can be the cause of covert hearing loss in children, which is often mistaken for inattention.
The INNER EAR carries sound to the brain and also regulates our sense of balance.
Exposure to loud noise(sudden or continuous) causes inner ear damage.
DOs and DON’Ts in ear care:
The pinna should be cleaned with soap and water on the outer aspect and behind as well.
Do not clean ears with hairpins, keys, matchsticks, etc.
In case there is ear wax, it should be softened prior to removal with the use of appropriate ear drops(eg Soliwax, Waxolve).
Do not swim in dirty water.
If water enters the ear, clean it with the tip of the towel or a tissue.Clean the fellow ear with a separate tissue.
Always wear a bathing cap to cover the ears.
Avoid swimming if suffering from upper respiratory infection.
If the ear has infection, clean the discharge gently with a tissue or a sterile ear bud.
Avoid direct trauma to the ear eg slapping.
If a young child is crying excessively and pulling the ear –consult a doctor immediately as the child may have middle-ear infection.
During air travel, give feeds to infant children at the time of take off, landing and immediately after landing. Always give feeds with the infant in the head propped-up position.
Children may be given lozenges to suck during air travel.
Adults should blow air into the Eustachian tube at the time of take off, landing and immediately after landing. Yawning also helps to keep the Eustachian tube open.
Avoid exposure to loud noises, eg earphones, discotheques, airport, firecrackers.
In industries with high noise levels, protective ear plugs should be used.
