Detection of Common Ear Diseases in the Community

1SH2030: Secondary Level Training Module.3.1

Objectives• To sensitize the trainees regarding the

common ear problems faced in the community and their causes.

• To understand the importance of common ear diseases.

• To inform them regarding suitable guidance to be given to patients with ear problems.

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Common ear problems• Pain in the ear• Discharge from the ear• Heaviness/Blockage in the ear• Itching in the ear• Hearing Loss (discussed in next lecture)

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Ear PainCauses:• Wax Impacted in the ear• Acute infection of the outer part of the ear• Acute Infection of the Ear drum and Middle part of the

ear.• Fluid in the ear• Fungal infection of the ear• Foreign body in the ear• Injury over the ear

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Ear Wax

Wax is a normal secretion of the ear. At times, it can accumulate and cause

• pain • hearing loss• Sensation of blockage

Ear Wax

Some amount of wax is normal.

Excessive wax should be treated a doctor:

• Wax softeners (if impacted) to be given two-three times in a day and followed by wax removal

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No role for:

•Use of ear buds

•Putting oil in the ear

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Syringing

Acute Ear Infections

Outer earSH2030: Secondary Level Training Module.3.1 8

Ear drum & Middle ear

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Acute Ear Infections

• Acute infection of the ear can lead to:– Pain in the ear– Fever– Tenderness on

touching the ear

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Ear Infections

If untreated, it can lead to: Rupture of the Ear drum which may cause permanent damage (permanent perforation & Chronic OM). It can lead to discharging ear.

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Early treatment of acute ear infection can save many children from developing Discharging ears.

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Injury over the ear• Slaps over the ear• Falls• Injury over the ear

Can lead to rupture of the ear drum.

This can be PREVENTED

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Foreign body in the EAC• Common in children• MUST BE

REMOVED URGENTLY

Educate the children NOT to put anything in their ears,

nose or mouth.

In case they do, send them to a doctor immediately

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Heaviness/Blockage in the ear: Glue Ear/Secretory Otitis Media

• Is a disease of the ear, wherein there is accumulation of sticky fluid in the middle ear.

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Secretory Otitis media (Glue Ear)

• Such a child may complain of: - Occasional pain in the ear - Heaviness in the ear

• May have NO complaints, as there may be only mild hearing loss. But This can lead to:

- Poor speech development in the child - Poor Performance in school

Treatment required may be Medical or Surgical. It can be decided on examination by the doctor.

Can lead to:• Speech problems• Poor performance in school• Dull child

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Untreated OME

If the child’s speech is not clear or he is not paying attention in school, one

possible cause may be mild hearing loss due to OME. It MUST be ruled out.

REFER

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SUSPECT OME if….• The child complains of persistent or recurrent pain

or discomfort in the ear.• Child is asking to raise the volume of TV etc.• Child asks you to repeat your words again & again• Child’s academic performance has gone down.• Child is not developing clear speech.

REFER

Itching in the ear• A very common problem in the community.• It can be caused by fungal infections of the

ear, common during rainy season.

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In case of persistent itching associated with discharge, pain: REFER for ear check up