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Recurring ear infections
Ear infections can affect anyone, although they are particularly common during childhood, and can cause pain, temporary hearing loss, and even issues with balance. An individual ear infection will be commonly treated by a GP with antibiotics and will usually clear up with no long term problems.
When infections start to recur, however, they can become a more serious problem that is more likely to lead to long term damage beyond the immediate unpleasant symptoms. A healthy ear canal, like many other parts of the body, has an ecosystem of ‘friendly’ microorganisms, the presence of which helps to stop unfriendly bacteria from becoming established and causing disease. Frequent treatment of ear infections with potent antibiotics can damage this defensive ecosystem, and so more creative treatments are often required to restore normal function and prevent recurrences.
What treatments are available?
Skillful use of less potent antibiotic treatments over time to return the ear to a normal equilibrium.
Careful cleaning through regular micro-suction until normal health is restored.
In cases where the infections have caused more significant damage, a range of routine surgeries can help to repair the area and ‘reboot’ normal function of the ear canal.
Ear infections should always be attended to by a medical professional. They should be rare in adults and only occasional in young people, so if you find you or your children are suffering from recurring infections we would recommend speaking to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Book an appointment for a diagnosis.