MAIN Health The Human Body Ears Earaches

Ears are a major contributor to helping us make our way in the world, hearing is not their only function. Another important role the ear plays is as a major contributor to our sense of body position. Anyone who has had a serious earache or inner ear infection can attest to the ear's important role in keeping our balance.

Keeping ears healthy

Keeping ears healthy, much like other organ in the body, usually does not take constant care. More often its is simply a case of keeping them from abuse.

Good hygiene also plays an important part in keeping ears healthy, although overcleaning sometimes does more harm than good. Ear wax is there to protect the inner workings of the ear, and so constantly removing it is exposing the ear to possible damage. Trying to clean out the ear may also only serve to compact the wax further in the ear, resulting in an earache or infection.

Earache causes & treatment

Common earache symptoms may more likely stem from sinus blockage and pain caused by allergies, the common cold or flu. A cold draft such as from an air conditioner may also cause waxy buildup to form in the ear as a defense that brings on the onset of pain. Other causes might be from exterior sources of water trapped in the ear, such as following a dip in the ocean or pool.

Depending on the cause, common cures for earache range from over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines to homemade warm compresses to draw out liquids or waxy buildup compacting the ear canal.

More about earache causes & remedies around the Web:

Around the Web, learn more about how the ears work, or what can be done to treat inner ear infections or to ease the pain of earaches:

Earaches - Pediatric Dr. Reddy with easily readable subject matter covering how the ear works and how it can become infected, a discussion on common earaches and how to treat them, plus more on on swimmer's ear.

The Doctors Book of Home Remedies - Earaches - Tips for quick remedies found around the house including mineral oil, heat therapy, over-the-counter pain relievers, plus tips on how to painlessly remove a bug lodged in the ear, with advice on when to see a doctor.

Earache Remedies, Treatment & Pain Relief - Extensive information on the topic including causes and treatment including pain relievers and other medications, when to see a doctor about an ear infection with related resources, pictures and illustrations.

Ear Infections and Your Child - Good overview from the American Academy of Pediatrics with information on causes and typical symptoms of ear infection. Scroll to the bottom of the page for more resources explaining related risk factors, complications, treatment options.

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