Millions of people suffer from ear infections each year, but most of them go untreated, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. If you have pain or discomfort in your ears, it’s important for you to see a doctor about it. Most people will experience some type of hearing loss at some point in their lives. While this may not be of particular concern for many, for others it can be a serious and even life-threatening issue.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), one in three people aged 65 or older have significant hearing loss and one in four have moderate hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age; approximately half of people aged 75 or older have hearing loss that significantly limits their ability to understand speech in a quiet environment.
The good news is that there are many options available today that can help those who suffer from hearing loss. From the use of hearing aids to surgery — there are many options available to help those who suffer from hearing loss regain their ability to communicate effectively with others.
One of the most important things you can do if you suspect that you or someone else may be suffering from hearing loss is get your ears tested by a doctor who specializes in this area. This way, they can determine if there is anything wrong with your ears and then recommend proper treatment for whatever issue may be causing the problem.
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons children go to the doctor. Ear infections are usually caused by bacteria or viruses that affect the eustachian tube. The eustachian tube connects your nose and throat to your middle ear. If it remains closed, fluid builds up in your middle ear and bacteria can grow. This causes an ear infection.
Ear infections often occur when you fly on an airplane or drive long distances, because pressure changes can cause fluid to build up in your middle ear. Ear infections also occur more often in children who have had tubes put in their ears for other reasons, such as chronic ear infections or hearing loss.
When you get a cold or other illness that affects your ears, you may hear a ringing sound (tinnitus) or feel like there is water behind your eardrum (glue ear). If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away so they can examine your ears and treat you with antibiotics if necessary. To know more about the importance of hearing test click here to read more.
