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Ear and hearing
Hearing, ear pain, discharge, blockage, ringing and dizziness are common reasons for an ENT visit. These pages explain what people notice and which symptoms should not wait.
Choose a topic for symptoms, home care, and warning signs. None of these pages replaces an examination.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss means sounds may seem quieter, unclear, or difficult to understand. It can affect one or both ears and may develop gradually or suddenly. A hearing test and ear examin
Ear Pain and Ear Infection
Ear pain can come from the ear canal, middle ear, jaw, throat, or nearby structures. Infection is one possible cause, but pain alone cannot confirm an infection. Children may show
Earwax Blockage
Earwax is normal and helps protect the ear canal. It usually moves outward on its own, but sometimes builds up and blocks the canal, causing muffled hearing or discomfort. Similar
Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)
Tinnitus is hearing ringing, buzzing, hissing, or another sound when no matching outside sound is present. It may be temporary or persistent and can be associated with hearing chan
Vertigo and Dizziness
Dizziness can mean spinning, light-headedness, imbalance, or feeling faint. Vertigo specifically often feels as if you or the surroundings are moving. Causes range from inner-ear c
Sudden Hearing Loss
A rapid change in hearing, especially in one ear, may be time-sensitive and should not be assumed to be wax or congestion.
Age-Related Hearing Loss
Hearing may gradually become less clear with age. Hearing assessment helps identify the degree of loss and support communication.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Repeated or extremely loud sound can damage hearing temporarily or permanently. Lower volume, shorter exposure and hearing protection reduce risk.
Outer Ear Infection (Otitis Externa)
Otitis externa affects the skin of the ear canal. Moisture, scratching or irritation may contribute; an ear examination is needed.
Middle Ear Infection
A middle-ear infection occurs behind the eardrum and may follow a respiratory infection. Not every case needs antibiotics.
Chronic Ear Discharge
Repeated or persistent fluid or pus from the ear can indicate ongoing infection or an eardrum problem and should not be ignored.
Glue Ear / Middle-Ear Fluid
Fluid behind the eardrum can make hearing muffled, particularly in children. Hearing and development should be monitored.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
The eustachian tube helps balance pressure in the middle ear. If it does not work well, the ear may feel blocked or pop.
Perforated Eardrum
A perforated eardrum is a hole or tear in the membrane between the ear canal and middle ear. Assessment helps guide safe care.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV causes brief spinning episodes triggered by certain head movements. Not all dizziness is BPPV.
Ménière’s Disease
Ménière’s disease can cause repeated vertigo with fluctuating hearing, tinnitus and fullness in one ear. Other causes must be considered.
Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis involves abnormal bone remodelling around a small middle-ear bone and can gradually reduce hearing.
Cholesteatoma
A cholesteatoma is an abnormal collection of skin cells in the middle ear or mastoid that can damage nearby structures.
Foreign Body in the Ear
An object or insect in the ear can injure the canal or eardrum if pushed deeper. Do not try to remove it with tools.
Ear Pain (Otalgia)
Ear pain may come from the ear itself or from teeth, jaw or throat. Persistent pain or associated symptoms need examination.
Itchy Ear and Fungal Ear Infection
Ear itching can arise from skin irritation, eczema, infection or moisture. Avoid scratching or using oils/drops without advice.
Blocked or Full Feeling in the Ear
Ear fullness may be caused by wax, middle-ear fluid, pressure changes or other conditions; it does not always mean the ear needs cleaning.
Ear Pressure Injury During Flights or Diving
Rapid pressure changes can cause ear discomfort or injury. Severe pain or hearing change after pressure exposure needs assessment.