COMMON EAR CONDITIONS
Common Ear Conditions
Comprehensive information about ear health conditions, symptoms, and treatments. Clear Ear Cheer provides expert ear care services across Essex and Suffolk to help you maintain healthy, comfortable ears.
Clear Ear Cheer provides clinical ear care services and ear health checks, but we are not medical professionals who provide definitive medical diagnoses or prescriptions. For the diagnosis and prescribed treatment of any ear conditions, you will need to see a GP or medically trained and certified professional.
During our clinical consultations and ear health checks, we capture high-quality video evidence using digital otoscopy and are experienced at spotting most common ear conditions. Our evidence is shareable with medical professionals if conditions beyond earwax are detected. If needed, we can refer patients to GPs, ENT, or other medical specialists, ensuring seamless care coordination and improved patient outcomes.
⚠️ When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Contact NHS 111 immediately or visit A&E if you experience:
- Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
- Severe ear pain that doesn't improve with pain relief
- High fever (above 38°C) with ear symptoms
- Discharge or bleeding from the ear after head injury
- Facial weakness or drooping on one side
- Severe dizziness, vertigo, or loss of balance
- Stiff neck with headache and ear symptoms
- Button battery suspected in the ear (medical emergency)
Find out more about ear infections on the NHS website, including advice on when you need urgent care.
Earwax & Blockages
Common conditions causing blocked ears and hearing difficulties
Earwax Build-Up
Earwax is a natural, protective substance that sometimes accumulates excessively, causing blockage of the ear canal. While earwax normally self-cleans, certain factors like narrow ear canals, hearing aid use, or cotton bud usage can lead to impaction. This is one of the most common ear problems we help with.
- Hearing loss or muffled sounds
- Feeling of fullness in the ear
- Tinnitus (ringing sounds)
- Earache or discomfort
Foreign Bodies in Ears
Objects lodged in the ear canal—common in children but can affect anyone. Items range from small toys and beads to cotton wool, insects, or hearing aid components. Button batteries and insects require urgent specialist removal, while we can safely remove most other foreign objects using specialized equipment.
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Hearing loss or fullness
- Visible object in ear canal
- Discharge or bleeding
Ear Infections
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections affecting different parts of the ear
Otitis Externa
Inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal, often caused by bacteria or fungi. Commonly affects swimmers due to water exposure, but can result from skin conditions, allergies, or ear canal damage. Usually responds well to medicated ear drops prescribed by your GP.
- Ear pain (worse when touching ear)
- Itching in the ear canal
- Discharge from the ear
- Temporary hearing loss
Otitis Media
Infection or inflammation in the middle ear space behind the eardrum, often following a cold or respiratory infection. More common in children but can affect adults. Most cases resolve naturally, though some require antibiotics. Can lead to temporary hearing loss and ear pain.
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Fever or high temperature
- Hearing loss
- Fluid discharge from ear
Glue Ear
A condition where thick, sticky fluid builds up in the middle ear without active infection. Common in children, often following ear infections or colds. Usually resolves naturally within 3 months, though some cases require grommets (tiny ventilation tubes) to drain the fluid and restore hearing.
- Hearing loss (main symptom)
- Ear fullness or pressure
- Speech difficulties (children)
- Balance problems (occasionally)
Cholesteatoma URGENT
A serious condition where skin cells accumulate in the middle ear, forming a destructive, expanding mass that erodes bone and causes chronic infection. Requires surgical removal—won't resolve with antibiotics alone. Early treatment prevents complications like hearing loss, facial nerve damage, or meningitis.
- Persistent foul-smelling discharge
- Progressive hearing loss
- Ear fullness or pressure
- Dizziness (in advanced cases)
Structural Ear Problems
Conditions affecting the physical structures of the ear
Perforated Eardrum
A hole or tear in the thin membrane separating the outer ear from the middle ear. Can result from infection, trauma, sudden pressure changes, or loud noise. Most perforations heal naturally within 2 months, though some require surgical repair. Keeping the ear dry during healing is essential.
- Sudden ear pain (then relief)
- Hearing loss in affected ear
- Discharge or bleeding from ear
- Tinnitus or buzzing sounds
Exostosis
Abnormal bone growths in the ear canal caused by repeated exposure to cold water and wind. Common in surfers, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts. The bone growth gradually narrows the ear canal, potentially causing hearing loss and frequent infections. Prevention with earplugs is key for water sport participants.
- Gradual hearing loss
- Frequent ear infections
- Water retention in ears
- Feeling of blockage
Causes of Hearing Loss
Conditions affecting the tiny bones and structures that enable hearing
Damaged Ossicles
Damage to the three tiny bones (malleus, incus, stapes) that transmit sound from the eardrum to the inner ear. Can result from chronic ear infections, head injuries, or congenital issues. Causes conductive hearing loss but can often be improved with surgery (ossiculoplasty) or hearing aids.
- Hearing loss (mild to severe)
- Difficulty understanding speech
- Tinnitus (ringing sounds)
- Ear fullness or pressure
Otosclerosis
Abnormal bone growth that fixes the stapes bone (smallest bone in the body) in place, preventing it from vibrating and transmitting sound. Causes progressive hearing loss, typically starting in young adulthood. Highly treatable with surgery (stapedectomy) which has 90%+ success rate, or hearing aids.
- Gradual hearing loss
- Tinnitus (common)
- Difficulty hearing in noise
- Family history often present
Need Help with an Ear Condition?
Whether you're experiencing symptoms or need professional ear care, Clear Ear Cheer provides expert mobile ear health services across Essex and Suffolk. We can identify problems, provide safe treatments, and refer to specialists when needed.
Contact Us Today Book Ear Health Check
Explore Common Ear Conditions
There are a number of different conditions that can affect the ear. Ear infections, buildup of earwax, and other ear conditions can cause discomfort and affect your hearing. Click any condition below to learn more.
Find out more about ear infections on the NHS website, including advice on when you need to contact NHS 111 straight away.