Ear Health – Otitis Externa
Common ear health problems include earwax build-up, mild infections and irritation affecting the outer or middle ear
About ear health – otitis externa
The ear canal is usually self-cleaning, but wax can build up and harden, especially with cotton bud use, hearing aids or earplugs. Ear infections can affect the outer ear canal (otitis externa, often linked to water exposure) or the middle ear (otitis media, more common in children, often following a cold)
Treatments
Symptoms
• Earache or discomfort
• A feeling of blockage or fullness
• Reduced hearing
• Itching in the ear canal
• Discharge from the ear
• Ringing (tinnitus) in some cases
Diagnosis
A pharmacist or GP can usually diagnose earwax build-up or infection by looking into the ear canal with an otoscope. Persistent, severe or recurrent symptoms, or hearing loss that doesn't improve, may need referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Treatment
Earwax build-up is treated with softening ear drops, sometimes followed by irrigation if wax remains troublesome. Mild outer ear infections are treated with antibiotic and/or steroid ear drops, while middle ear infections often clear without antibiotics, though these may be prescribed if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Prevention and self-care
• Avoid inserting cotton buds or objects into the ear canal
• Dry ears gently after swimming or showering
• Use ear plugs when swimming if prone to outer ear infections
• Treat colds and allergies promptly, as they can affect the middle ear
• Avoid exposure to loud noise
• Seek advice for recurrent symptoms rather than repeatedly self-treating
Reviewed by Hamza Iqbal Naheed, Superintendent Pharmacist, GPhC 2209194 (check the register) · Last updated 21 September 2026