Excel Hearing

16/10/2026

Ear pain is not always a simple ear infection.

Malignant otitis externa, also known as necrotising otitis externa, is a serious infection that starts in the external ear canal and can spread towards the skull base.

It most commonly affects older adults with diabetes or a weakened immune system. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the classic causative organism.

Warning signs may include severe and persistent ear pain—particularly pain that is worse at night—ear drainage, oedema and granulation tissue within the ear canal.

Because the infection can involve bone and cranial nerves, early diagnosis and prolonged systemic antimicrobial therapy are essential.

If you experience severe or worsening ear pain, discharge or other concerning symptoms, seek urgent medical assessment.

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14/10/2026

Sudden spinning, tinnitus in one ear and hearing that comes and goes—what could it mean?

These symptoms may be associated with Ménière’s disease, an inner-ear disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus and aural fullness.

The underlying mechanism is often associated with endolymphatic hydrops. Excess endolymph can increase pressure within the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear, disrupting the normal function of the cochlear and vestibular systems.

This may trigger episodes of vertigo as well as hearing-related symptoms.

If you experience recurrent vertigo, persistent tinnitus, hearing changes or a lasting feeling of ear fullness, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.

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13/10/2026

How does the ear help us hear and maintain balance?

The ear is divided into three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear.

The outer ear includes the pinna and ear canal. It collects sound waves and directs them inward towards the eardrum.

When sound reaches the eardrum, it vibrates. Behind the eardrum, the middle ear contains three tiny bones: the malleus, incus and stapes. These bones amplify the vibrations and transmit them towards the inner ear.

In the inner ear, the cochlea converts sound vibrations into electrical signals. These signals travel through the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.

The inner ear also contains the vestibular system, which helps control balance and spatial orientation.

In simple terms: the outer ear collects sound, the middle ear amplifies it and the inner ear converts it into signals the brain can understand.

Which part of the ear would you like us to explain in more detail next?

12/10/2026

Why can digging in your ears lead to infection?

The skin inside the ear canal is thin and delicate. Scratching it with a fingernail, cotton bud or other object can cause small cuts that may not be visible.

Bacteria can enter through these tiny breaks, causing inflammation and infection. One example is acute otitis externa, which affects the ear canal.

As the ear canal becomes inflamed and swollen, it may narrow. This can make the ear feel blocked and cause hearing to seem muffled.

Avoid inserting fingers, fingernails or objects into the ear canal. If you develop pain, itching, swelling, discharge or changes in hearing, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.

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11/10/2026

09/10/2026

Your earwax is not the enemy.

Earwax plays an important role in protecting the ear. It helps trap dirt, dust and bacteria, supports the natural balance of the ear canal and helps prevent germs from reaching the eardrum.

The ear is also naturally self-cleaning. Wax gradually moves towards the entrance of the ear without needing to be removed manually.

Using cotton swabs inside the ear canal can push wax deeper, potentially leading to compacted wax and a blocked sensation. Swabs may also irritate or scratch the ear canal and, in some cases, can damage the eardrum.

If earwax is causing symptoms, the safest approach is to have the ear assessed by an appropriate professional rather than trying to remove it yourself.

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08/10/2026

Why do your ears sometimes ring when the room is completely quiet?

This may be tinnitus—the perception of a sound when there is no external sound source.

People may experience tinnitus as ringing, buzzing, hissing or humming. It can be associated with several factors, including hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, earwax build-up and certain medications.

Tinnitus can affect people differently. If the sound is persistent, worsening, one-sided or accompanied by changes in hearing, it is important to seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.

Have you ever experienced ringing, buzzing or hissing in your ears? Share your experience below.

07/10/2026

Have you ever wondered why your ears pop during a flight or when travelling at altitude?

The middle ear needs relatively balanced pressure on both sides of the eardrum.

When atmospheric pressure changes quickly, the pressure outside the ear may change faster than the middle ear can adapt. The Eustachian tube helps solve this problem by connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat.

When it opens, air can pass through and equalise the pressure on both sides of the eardrum. This produces the familiar popping sensation.

If congestion caused by a cold, allergies or sinus problems affects the Eustachian tube, pressure may become trapped. This can lead to blocked ears, discomfort or pain.

When do your ears pop most—during flights, driving through hills or when you have a cold?

06/10/2026

Why can an ear infection cause intense pain?

When bacteria or viruses affect the middle ear, the tissue can become inflamed. Fluid may then build up behind the eardrum.

As pressure increases, the fluid pushes against the eardrum, which can lead to a feeling of fullness, pressure and throbbing pain.

When the inflammation begins to settle and the fluid drains away, the pressure may reduce and relief can follow.

Ear infections can sometimes improve, but symptoms should be monitored carefully. Persistent or severe pain, fever, discharge or changes in hearing should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

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02/10/2026

How can water contribute to a painful ear infection?

Swimmer’s ear, medically known as otitis externa, can occur when moisture becomes trapped inside the ear canal. The warm, damp environment can allow bacteria to multiply.

Earwax normally acts as a natural protective barrier. It helps protect the skin inside the ear canal and supports its natural balance. However, repeated exposure to water can reduce this protection and soften the skin.

Tiny scratches from earbuds, fingers or cleaning tools can create small openings through which bacteria may enter.

This can lead to inflammation and symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, pain and sometimes fluid discharge.

Although swimmer’s ear is common among swimmers, anyone can develop it when excess moisture affects the ear’s natural protective barriers.

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