Adults can get ear infections too; here are some helpful ways to prevent one.
Ear infections are no fun, and although they might be more common in children, they can still happen to adults. The ear is a delicate but resilient instrument, and taking proper care of them can help you avoid this problem. Below is a brief overview of ear infections in adults.
Causes of Ear Infections in Adults
Why is it that there are ear infections in adults? An adult can still get an ear infection due to bacteria or a virus. It can come about either through the eustachian tube that connects the throat to the inner ear, or through the outer ear. Having a cold, an allergy, or other sickness in the nose or throat can cause bacteria or viruses to spread to the ear. Meanwhile, getting contaminants in the ear from swimming or inserting an unclean foreign object can also cause problems.
What Makes Someone More Susceptible?
There are some surprising factors that make a person more or less susceptible to ear infections. Mainly, it is due to other health issues that seemingly have no relation, yet the ear is sensitive enough to pick up on these things. People who have diabetes, a compromised immune system, or a skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema are more likely to suffer an ear infection, as well as those with inflamed inner ear structures.
Should You Visit the Doctor?
Most of the time, ear infections in adults go away by themselves. The body’s immune system will be able to fight off the germ. However, if the infection does not go away after three days, or if new symptoms arise such as fluid discharge or dizziness, then it is best to see your local audiologist.
Ways to Prevent Ear Infections
Keeping your ears clean and your body healthy are the best ways to prevent ear infections from happening to adults. Clean your ears after swimming or showering, and don’t put dirty objects in like uncleaned hearing aids, earbuds, or earplugs. Living as healthy a lifestyle as possible will also go a long way in prevention; eating well, maintaining your immunity, and avoiding smoking are great strategies.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.