Ear pain is often associated with an inner ear infection and is considered something that, for the most part, only children suffer from. Children’s ears do not have fully developed tubes so infections are much more common. Then through the younger adult life, most adults don’t battle ear infections, but now your elderly loved one is suddenly complaining about ear pain yet doesn’t seem ill at all. What could be going on?
Earwax Can Build up More Quickly in the Elderly
Earwax is an essential component of the ears being self-cleaning. Comprised of a fluid that comes from glands inside the inner ear, it collects hair, dirt, shampoo, and sweat to help filter out dust and other particles that could get in the ear and bother it. In a younger person, it is a self-draining liquid that exits the ear on its own.
As a person ages, that earwax often becomes drier, making it more difficult for it to exit the ear canal and creating a blockage. The thickening and increase of ear hair in many elderly people can also make it more difficult for the earwax to leave the ear on its own.
Symptoms of Earwax Buildup
The symptoms of earwax impaction are similar to that of an ear infection so when they occur, your loved one should visit his doctor to determine the cause and find relief.
- Ear pain
- Tinnitus, otherwise known as a ringing in the ears
- Itchiness inside the ear
- A bad smell or discharge from the ear
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Loss of balance
- A reduction in hearing abilities
- Earwax Removal
The first thing to know about earwax removal is to stay away from cotton swabs. Even the packaging warns not to put them in the ear but based on old traditions it may be the first thing your loved one reaches for. Cotton swabs act like battering rams and push ear wax more firmly to the eardrum causing more damage and pain.
If your loved one’s earwax build-up is not too severe, he might be able to take care of it at home with the help of a home care assistance provider. Since performing some of these techniques may require flexibility your loved one doesn’t have, a home care assistance provider can step in and assist in these two home remedies.
- Over-the-counter ear cleaning drops. Using drops that contain hydrogen peroxide, your loved one should lie on his side with the affected ear facing up. Then follow package directions for how many drops to place in the ear. This can be tricky at such an angle, so a home care assistance provider can help with getting the drops into the ears. Let the drops sit in the ear for about five minutes and then sit up and let the fluid drain out, hopefully with the broken-up earwax.
- A bulb syringe with warm water. Flush the ear with warm water by placing the water in a bulb syringe and gently squeezing it into the ear. The warm water should break up the earwax, and it’ll flow out when the head is turned over the sink to let it drain. This can be another task that requires help from someone like a home care assistance provider.
If these remedies don’t work, visit your loved one’s doctor to have a professional remove the earwax.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Assistance in Carmel, NY, please contact the caring staff at Elderly Caregivers LLC. today at (203) 628-7438
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