Can Allergies Be the Cause of Frequent Ear Infections?
If you experience chronic ear infections and also allergies, you may be wondering if the two conditions are linked. In fact, in many cases, they are. We review this connection below. Why Are Ear Infections & Allergies Linked? It all comes down to the Eustachian tubes. These tubes connect the middle ears to the back…
What to do About a Lump Behind Your Ear
If you have noticed a lump behind your ear, there’s no need to immediately panic. Many different conditions can cause a lump, most of which are relatively benign. Let’s examine some of the most common causes of lumps behind the ear and when you might need to seek medical care. Common Causes of a Lump…
How Serious Is a Ruptured Eardrum?
The eardrum, also called the tympanic membrane, plays an essential role in the hearing process. This thin, flexible tissue, comprised of three layers, separates the outer ear from the middle ear. As soundwaves enter the ear, they strike the eardrum, which vibrates in response, transmitting the vibrations to the bones of the middle ear. Occasionally,…
Are Adult Ear Infections Common? What You Need to Know
Ear infections are much more common in children than adults, but that doesn’t mean grown-ups can’t be susceptible. Unlike childhood ear infections that tend to be minor and resolve quickly, adult ear infections are sometimes the sign of a more serious health problem. Types of Ear Infections There are three types of ear infections, depending…
How to Safely Clear Your Ears
Earwax, known medically as cerumen, is produced in the glands of the skin within the ear canal. Earwax is important for many reasons, like protecting your middle and inner ear from dust and debris, trapping bacteria and lubricating the ear canal. Believe it or not, the ear canal is self-cleaning – meaning you do not…
Do Your Ears Roar?
Experiences that seem normal to you may be completely bizarre to someone else. Take, for instance, the ability to contract a muscle in the ear. It turns out, there is a small percentage of the population who can do this intentionally, making their ears roar. Muscle Contractions As humans we have control over almost all…