December 04, 2008

Clogged and Ringing Ears

Prolonged medication to certain drugs such as aspirin can cause clogged and ringing ears. Examples of drugs that can cause or worsen the tinnitus are antibiotics and aspirins. Before taking theses remedies, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether the drug is ototoxic or non ototoxic. Taking these medications for a long periog can cause coagulation of the mucous in the ears making it impossible to pass into the tiny Eustachian tubes to drain.

The function of the Eustachian tube is to protect, aerate and drain the middle ear. Blocked Eustachian tube may result to the development of middle ear inflammation (otitis media) and Eustachian tube dysfunction which can cause dulled hearing. It is usually a temporary problem that lasts a week or sometimes longer. Hearing loss caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction commonly occurs during and after a cold. Often no treatment is needed, but decongestants, antihistamines, or a steroid nasal spray sometimes helps.

Another reason for clogged and ringing ears is excessive earwax buildup. Normally earwax is helpful in normal amounts but excessive buildup can clogged the ear canal resulting to hearing loss. Earwax serves as protection of the ear from fungi, bacteria, dust, water and other particles from penetrating the inner ear. It also serves as coating of the ear. The absence of the earwax may result to dry and itchy or even infection.

Cleaning the ear is ideal to promote a better hygiene. But sometimes the improper ear cleaning process may push the earwax towards the eardrum instead of taking it out. The use of cotton swabs inserted into the middle ear causes earwax to get impacted inside the ear which will eventually cause hearing loss and tinnitus. Therefore, cleaning of the ears must be done with extra caution.

One of the safest ways to remove earwax is by ear irrigation. The first thing to do is heating a small amount of clean water into body temperature. Soon as the desired temperature is obtained, apply few drops into the ear and let it set for a few minutes to soften the wax. Tilt your head to drain and wipe the outer ear with a clean towel. This can help unclog the ear, restore hearing and provide relief for tinnitus.

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