Having now been referred to a specialist ear care nurse, John has noticed a marked improvement in his hearing ability, which he hopes will continue.
John’s ear problem was not due to a wax build-up or inflammation as is the case for many other sufferers. It was a blockage in the ear canal from a build-up of flaky skin caused by a scalp condition. It caused no other symptoms, but impaired John’s hearing.
"The nurse visited me at home," says John. "She was very knowledgeable about my ear problem – more so than anyone else I had spoken to – particularly about the difficulties I had been having with my hearing aids. Debris in the ear canal can prevent hearing aids working efficiently. If the inlet of the aid becomes blocked the volume may be reduced and a high pitched whistling noise can occur. To avoid problems, regular cleaning of the hearing aid and ear mould is essential.
The nurse cleaned John’s ears and advised him about good ear hygiene, which is a major factor in keeping many ear problems at bay. John noticed an immediate change in his hearing, in that it drastically improved after the treatment. "I’ve learnt how important hygiene is with ear health, and so I take extra care now," says John. Prompt treatment of ear infections, blockage or wax build up can stop a minor problem becoming major, yet most people have no idea what to do if they experience ear pain, itchiness or dulled hearing. Guidance is available from Deafness Research UK who have recently published a handy leaflet called ‘Trouble With Your Ears?’, which can be obtained from your local GP or practice nurse, or directly from Deafness Research UK.
It also offers valuable tips on self-help for the ears, to keep them healthy and problem-free.
Deafness Research UK is the country's only charity dedicated to finding new cures, treatments and technologies for the deaf, hard of hearing and other hearing impaired people including tinnitus sufferers.
Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK, said: "Thousands of people have ear problems yet few people realise that many common ear complaints can be avoided with good ear hygiene and preventative measures. Our new leaflet ‘ Trouble With Your Ears?’ is designed to provide people with the information they need for good ear health, and free copies of the leaflet are available from us directly if people are not able to get hold of a copy from their local GP or practice nurse. We don’t guarantee to solve everyone’s ear and hearing problems, but the leaflet goes a long way to helping people understand exactly what they can do themselves and explain what help is available
"In John’s case, expert care and advice has offered significant improvement, which should be sustainable with regular check ups and more attention to ear hygiene. This is great news and it is the type of care and support that all sufferers of ear conditions should expect. Sadly, the level of service available around the country is patchy and people are by no means certain to get this degree of care and understanding when they attend their local GP or nurse with an ear complaint. That is why we are campaigning hard so that everyone has access to the expertise of a nurse who has received specialist ear care training."
To get your copy of the leaflet ‘Trouble With Your Ears?’, telephone 0808 808 2222 or email info@deafnessresearch.org.uk. For information on research into deafness and other hearing conditions, log on to the website, www.deafnessresearch.org.uk’
ENDS
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Ref: DRUK0061 – John Allwright
