Editorial - Journal of Patuakhali Medical College Volume 2 Number 1 January 2023

Md. Zahirul Isalm¹, Md. Faizul Bashar²

1. Dr. Md. Zahirul Islam, Assistant Professor (ENT), Patuakhali Medical College, Patuakhali, Bangladesh.

2. Professor Dr. Md. Faizul Bashar, Principal,  Patuakhali Medical College, Patuakhali, Bangladesh.

Correspondence: Dr. Md. Zahirul Islam, Assistant Professor (ENT), Patuakhali Medical College, Patuakhali, Bangladesh, email: [email protected]

Ear care is a crucial aspect of maintaining overall health and well-being. The human ear is a delicate and complex organ that plays a vital role in our ability to hear and balance. Failure to provide proper care of the ear can result in a range of problems, from temporary discomfort to permanent hearing loss.¹

Ear infection is a prevalent issue affecting the ear. It arises when the Eustachian tube, responsible for connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat, becomes obstructed. This can cause fluid to build up in the middle ear, leading to pain, swelling, and decreased hearing. Children are particularly susceptible to ear infections, but adults can also be affected.² To reduce the risk of ear infections, it is important to practice good ear hygiene, such as keeping the ears clean and dry, and avoiding the use of cotton swabs or other objects in the ear canal. 

Another common ear problem is swimmer's ear, which occurs when water gets trapped in the ear canal.³ This can cause inflammation and infection, leading to pain, itching, and discharge. To prevent swimmer's ear, it is important to keep the ears dry, especially after swimming or showering. Wearing earplugs or using a hair dryer on the lowest setting to dry the ears can also help prevent this condition.

Noise-induced hearing loss is developed over a longer time period when exposure to loud sound is chronic, and transient threshold shift is observed when sudden exposure to very loud sound happened.  Individuals who are exposed to loud noises on a regular basis, such as construction workers, musicians, and military personnel are vulnerable to noise induced hearing loss. Exposure to loud noises can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss. In order to prevent hearing loss caused by excessive noise, it is crucial to utilize hearing protection when exposed to loud sounds and to minimize exposure to loud noises whenever feasible.⁴

Tinnitus refers to the presence of abnormal sounds in the ear. The pathophysiology underlying this condition is complex. Living with tinnitus can be distressing which can disrupt one's quality of life. Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to loud noises, ear infections, and certain medications. While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, sound therapy, and medication.

In addition to these common ear problems, there are number of other conditions that can affect the ear, such as Meniere's disease, vestibular neuronitis, and otosclerosis. These conditions can lead to hearing loss, vertigo, and other symptoms, and it is important to seek medical treatment if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms in your ears.

To maintain good ear health, it is important to practice good ear hygiene and to seek medical treatment if you are experiencing any symptoms. Additionally, it is important to have regular hearing exams to detect any hearing problems early on, so that appropriate treatment can be started. Regular hearing exams can also help identify any changes in hearing over time, so that appropriate steps can be taken to prevent further hearing loss.

Ear care is an essential component of maintaining overall good health and well-being. Different types of diseases can affect the ear leading to hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus, pain, and other symptoms. By practicing good ear hygiene, seeking medical treatment when necessary, and having regular hearing exams, one can help protect one’s ears and maintain good ear health.

REFERENCES

1. Altmann J. Acoustic weapons‐a prospective assessment. Science & Global Security. 2001 Jan 1;9(3):165-234.

2. Wilson M, Wilson PJ. Close Encounters of the Microbial Kind: Everything You Need to Know About Common Infections. Springer Nature; 2021 Jan 4;233-42

3. Strauss MB, Groner-Strauss W, Cantrell RW. Swimmer's ear. The Physician and Sportsmedicine. 1979 Jun 1;7(6):101-5.

4. Daniel E. Noise and hearing loss: a review. Journal of School Health. 2007 May;77(5):225-31.

DOI

10.5281/zenodo.11391981

how to cite this

Islam MZ, Bashar MF. Ear Care: Essential Component of Healthcare System. Journal of Patuakhali Medical College. 2023 January;2(1):1-2.

Issue:

JPkMC V2N1 (January 2024)

Section

Editorial