Using a Q-tip in the
ear canal may scrape the delicate skin in the
ear canal, which can be painful and can lead to an outer ear infection.
Abrasion of the
ear canal, particularly after water has entered from swimming or bathing, can also lead to an ear infection.
He said: "The client felt they had very little hearing in that ear and they were quite shocked to see exactly how much dead skin was removed from the
ear canal.
Further, cerumen creates an acidic environment within the
ear canal that works against invading bacteria, even as its antibacterial enzymes and antibodies further protect the ear from bacteria.
Dr Rennie explained that after the wax is produced, it slowly makes its way through the outer
ear canal to the opening of the ear.
Use a soft cloth or a hair dryer to dry your ears after swimming or showering, and tilt your head to one side to let water drain from your
ear canal. Avoid using cotton swabs to clean your ears.
'Of course I do, and I do that everyday after taking a bath,' I answered quickly, without an inkling that I was about to realize one of the greatest blunders I've been committing as a physician-that is, unwittingly exposing my
ear canal to injury by enthusiastically wiping off ear wax, which is supposed to protect it, with cotton-tipped applicators (CTAs).
Left untreated, the infections can become chronic, causing pain and irreparable damage to the
ear canal or eardrum.
(1) Live insects are sometimes found in the outer
ear canal. They should be immobilized or killed with topical anesthetic agents or other preparations before removal with instrumentation or irrigation.
In the dog, however, the outside opening of the
ear canal is high on the side of the head.
Growing plants can contribute to seasonal allergies that can sensitize the skin within the
ear canal. The itching and self-trauma that follows can allow the normal yeast and bacteria of the ear to take advantage of the damaged skin defenses and infect the ear, causing more itching and trauma.
Conclusion: Combining canal wall up mastoidectomy with Type I tympanoplasty can treat otitis media safely and effectively due to high postoperative dry
ear canal rate, satisfactory reconstruction of hearing and maintenance of ear morphology.