Conditions
Otitis Externa
Otitis externa is an infection of ear canal that is often referred to as swimmers ear. It can be caused by an infection or an allergic reaction within the outer ear. A mild form of the condition can result in a single spot occurring that causes localised pain, but which disappears when the spot bursts. More serious cases involve the spread of the condition to the outer ear and scaly skin being produced. There is also the possibility that pus and other discharge can occur as well. Localised cases will normally heal of their own accord, but if it is acute and continues then antibiotics and professional cleaning of the ear will often be prescribed.
If you are worried that your child may be suffering from an ear infection or glue ear and grommets, read our guides especially for parents on Embarrassing Bodies: Kids website.
Comments and Questions
You can share your experiences and thoughts with other Embarrassing Bodies site-users below. Comments & Questions are reviewed by moderators, but if you see anything on the site that worries you, please report it and one of our moderators will look at it as soon as possible.
Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.
For the last 5years I've had ear infection in both ears, I've had then profession cleaned twice a week, had anti boctors, sprays wic in my ear, and i really don't know what else to do I don't know how long I can go on wi this please help
I am constantly getting this infection due to sensitive and flaky ears. It's really weakening at times because every time I move it sends a jolt of pain through my body. Do not clean your ears. They will clear the wax out naturally. Avoid cleaning or using inner ear headphones if your ear has a cut inside it, if you have used inner ear headphones don't cross contaminate by putting the bud that went into the uninfected ear...
My ears are small and I was just wondering on how I can make them grow bigger and look normal.
Hi i have fluid behind my ear drum i have been given countless nasal sprays and nothing seems to have worked. I have had this since i was very young. I remember telling my mum and she said it was because i was tired trying to make me go to bed. My doctor also said to hold my nose and blow to try and shift the fluid and it hasn't worked. Is there anything i can do my self. I'm not aware of ever having and ear infection or anything it gets worse when i have a cold. Its effecting my sleep as i cant sleep on my right side because of the fluttering sound if there's any noise. Please help! Thanks :)
Hi i have fluid behind my ear drum i have been given countless nasal sprays and nothing seems to have worked. I have had this since i was very young. I remember telling my mum and she said it was because i was tired trying to make me go to bed. My doctor also said to hold my nose and blow to try and shift the fluid and it hasn't worked. Is there anything i can do my self. I'm not aware of ever having and ear infection or anything it gets worse when i have a cold. Its effecting my sleep as i cant sleep on my right side because of the fluttering sound if there's any noise. Please help! Thanks :)
My partner has had flaking of both ear canals for years .He gets crackling in the ear and a loss of hearing. The flakes are so big that they fall out of his ears and looks like corn flakes. He has been to many GPswith no luck after using ear drops etc. Please could you diagnose this as it causes much discomfort to him. Thank you. Love your programme. JMW
Hello im a big fan of your show and i do in fact have a problem myself. My name is Mollie and i have had reoccuring ear infections since i was 2, i have been to doctors and have been sugested grommets and did not like the sound of them and the doctor said that there was 25% chance it would help my case, and i would have a 90% chance of being partically deaf in my left ear, but at times both my ears hurt. people have suggested ear drops that have helped but not kept it away for too long. I have been on nurofen because i dont like medicen at all. If you can give me a answer that would be great, because i am traviling on a plane soon and dont like the idea of flyling with that sort of pain. Thanks
I keep getting a fluttering sound in my right ear, it sounds like a moth is in there. I had a hearing test about 18 months ago after having a bout of this fluttering but my hearing was fine. I get the fluttering every couple of months and it lasts for a couple of days. Also, not sure if it connected but last week I had 2 episodes shortly after each other of visual disturbance - like I was looking at things that shimmer on a hot day (although I wasn't near a heat source at the time), the episodes made me feel like I had tension in my head, but the feeling past after about 5 minutes.
i have the same type of thing and i went to the doctors about it and as they looked at it my ear drum burst you may want to see if that is what happend to you.
I have been suffering with fluid behind the ear drum for two years now and it seems to flare up more frequently and lasts longer each time. My Doctor has suggested nasal sprays but it really gets me down as it means i'm partially deaf when it flares up and causes lots of headaches, any suggestions?
I am 17 and i have been having a few problems with my ears i have been gettin bad neck ache, headaches, dizziness, nausea, upset stomach, breathing difficulties and aching muscles in my arms and legs, tiredness and sore ears and it feels like liquid is coming out of my ears but i do not have a fever i do not know what is causing this. Is this an ear infection or is it something worse? xx
Important Notice
The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.
If you want to embed our videos in your site, read our embedding T&Cs here