Types of Ear Problems

Most people occasionally have itchy or blocked ears, and children may also get ear infections. Chronic ear infection can be a problem, and ringing in the ear drives some people crazy. Dizziness and vertigo may be signs of a serious ear problem. The most common types of ear problems are outer- and middle-ear infection, dizziness, vertigo, blocked eustachian tubes, and ringing.

Outer-Ear Infection

• Swimmer's ear doesn't happen only to swimmers.

  California ear, nose, and throat specialist Dr. Nina Lee-Tall writes about "swimmer's ear" on her website, Drleetall.com. Swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, is a bacterial infection that occurs in the ear canal because of trapped water. Swimmers often get this itchy infection, but anyone can develop it. Scrubbing the ear or adding alcohol drops to dissolve wax can dry up the protective wax layer and add to itching, reports Dr. Murray Grossan on Ent-consult.com. Aggressive cleaning with cotton swabs and other devices can also cause swimmer's ear. Placing baby oil in your ears before showers and using antihistamines can prevent itching.

Middle-Ear Infection

• Children often have middle-ear infection.

  Middle-ear infection, or otitis media, occurs when fluid collects behind the eardrum rather than in the ear canal. Allergies and respiratory infections can contribute to this problem, and the pressure buildup causes earache. Middle-ear infection prevents the eardrum from vibrating properly, reports Lee-Tall, and can interfere with hearing. Fever, pain, and balance problems can also accompany middle-ear infection, according to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).

  Ear infections are the most common reason that children visit their pediatricians, reports the NIDCD. This is because their heads haven't finished growing and their eustachian tubes are smaller and less inclined than are adult eustachian tubes. In addition, kids' immune systems are less developed and able to combat infection.

  Antibiotics are used to treat middle-ear infections, but if the ear problem becomes chronic, surgical insertion of drainage tubes may be necessary.

Blocked Eustachian Tubes

• Chew gum on airplanes to help equalize ear pressure.

  The eustachian tubes are responsible for equalizing pressure between the outer and middle ear. Inhaled toxins, nasal congestion, sinus infection, tumor, and rapid altitude change can affect this process. Unequal pressure can contribute to fluid filling the ear.

  Use a nasal decongestant and a proteolytic enzyme mixture and drink hot tea to equalize pressure, advises Dr. Grossan. Gently force air through the eustachian tube as you hold your nose or swallow after placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth.

  If your eustachian tubes are blocked because of changes in altitude and pressure, chew gum or gently blow while holding your nose, but don't force it. Use a nasal decongestant before boarding a plane and use nasal spray during ascent and descent to combat this common ear problem, recommends the House Ear Clinic.

Ringing in the Ears

• Long exposure to loud noise can cause ringing in your ears.

  Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, affects almost 37 million Americans, according to Dr. Lee-Tall; effects range from distracting to life altering. Allergy, circulatory conditions, infection, medication, long exposure to loud noise, and earwax buildup all contribute to this problem. In some cases, tinnitus is caused by Meniere's disease, a condition that involves fluid pressure buildup in the inner ear.

  Vitamin B6 may help reduce ringing in the ears, reports Dr. Grossan, as can relaxation exercises and stress management techniques. Blood-pressure treatment and altering ingestion of aspirin and other drugs can also relieve tinnitus.

Dizziness and Vertigo

• Many factors can affect balance.

  Meniere's disease can also cause dizziness or vertigo, although it isn't the only cause of these conditions. The cause of Meniere's disease itself is unknown, reports Dr. Lee-Tall. Dr. Grossan treats Meniere's disease by controlling fluid pressure with a low-salt, high-potassium diet. He also recommends using a diuretic during acute attacks.

  Dizziness and vertigo are often caused by inner-ear problems, but circulatory problems, abnormal growths, vision problems, whiplash, and even postural and musculoskeletal issues can also affect your balance.