Common Ear Conditions: Symptoms, Causes and When to Seek Help

Common ear conditions affect both children and adults and can lead to ear pain, hearing changes, dizziness or general discomfort. Because the ear is responsible for hearing and balance, even a minor problem can feel very noticeable. Most ear infections and related conditions are mild and short-lived, but some can persist and may need treatment from a specialist.

We spoke to Mr Nicholas Eynon-Lewis, a Consultant Specialist in Ear & Voice Problems and Rhinoplasty to create this guide which explains the most common ear conditions, what causes them, the key symptoms to look out for, and when to seek further help.

How the Ear Works

The ear has three main parts:

• Outer ear – collects sound waves and directs them through the ear canal
• Middle ear – contains the three tiny bones that amplify sound and regulate air pressure
• Inner ear – contains the vestibular system, which controls balance, and the hearing organs that convert sound into signals sent to the brain

When the ear canal, eardrum, middle ear or inner ear becomes irritated, infected, or blocked, the result can be pain, muffled hearing, pressure, or dizziness.

1. Ear Infections (Otitis Media & Otitis Externa)

Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)

A middle ear infection, also known as otitis media, is one of the most common ear conditions in children, although adults can be affected too. It often develops after colds, flu, or a bacterial infection travelling through the throat into the ear through the Eustachian tube.

Common symptoms include:

• Ear pain or a feeling of pressure
• Temporary hearing loss
• Fever or irritability (especially in babies and young children)
• Fullness or blocked sensation behind the eardrum

Most ear infections resolve on their own, but acute otitis media can sometimes lead to a build-up of pus or fluid, causing more discomfort. Recurrent infections can also affect hearing if not treated.

Outer Ear Infection (Otitis Externa)

An outer ear infection (otitis externa) affects the skin of the ear canal. It is sometimes called “swimmer’s ear” and is more likely when water becomes trapped in the ear.

Symptoms may include:

• Itching or irritation
• Ear pain when touching the outer ear
• Swelling or discharge from the affected ear

People with eczema, narrow ear canals, or who use cotton buds are more at risk, as the skin can become damaged and more prone to infection.

2. Ear Wax Build-Up

Ear wax normally protects the ear canal, but sometimes it can build up and block sound from reaching the eardrum. This is especially common in people who use earphones or hearing aids.

Signs of wax build-up include:

• Muffled hearing
• A blocked or “full” feeling
• Occasional tinnitus or crackling sounds

Wax should not be removed with cotton buds, as this can push it deeper. Softening drops or professional removal are safer options.

3. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction & “Glue Ear”

The Eustachian tube helps equalise air pressure in the middle ear and drain fluid. If it becomes swollen or blocked, sound cannot travel properly, and the ear may feel blocked.

In children, this can cause glue ear, where thick fluid collects in the middle ear, leading to hearing difficulties. While it often improves on its own, persistent cases may require treatment to avoid long term complications.

4. Inner Ear Problems and Balance Disorders

The inner ear contains the organs that control balance, so irritation or inflammation can lead to dizziness or a spinning sensation.

Inner ear infection or inflammation can cause:

• Vertigo
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty walking steadily
• Sensitivity to movement

These symptoms can be unsettling but are usually treatable once the underlying issue is identified.

5. Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

Hearing loss can result from repeated infection, wax blockage, ageing, noise damage or inner ear problems. It may appear gradually or suddenly.

Tinnitus – hearing ringing or buzzing when no external sound is present – is also extremely common and often linked to infection, wax, or age-related changes.

In some cases, hearing aids may be recommended to improve hearing and reduce strain during communication.

What Causes Ear Conditions?

The most common triggers include:

When to See a Specialist

You should seek medical advice if you notice:

• Repeated or severe ear pain
• Symptoms of an ear infection
• Persistent hearing loss or ringing
• Dizziness or imbalance
• Fluid or discharge from the ear
• Recurrent infections in a child or baby

If infections become frequent, an ENT specialist may request further diagnosis or recommend treatment options to prevent long-term complications.

Treatment and Prevention

This will vary considerably depending on the diagnosis. Ear infections may require cleaning the ear canal in clinic, as well as an antibiotic spray, drops or sometimes antibiotics by mouth. The cause of recurrent infections can sometimes be a hole in the ear drum and this can be repaired with surgery.

Hearing loss, tinnitus and balance problems can also be investigated and treated appropriately.

You can also reduce the risk of irritation to the ear canal by:

• Avoiding cotton buds inside the ear canal
• Keeping the outer ear dry after swimming

Common ear conditions such as otitis media, otitis externa, ear wax build-up, Eustachian tube problems and inner ear infection are extremely common and affect people of all ages. Most ear conditions are mild and easily treated, but persistent symptoms, repeated infections or hearing changes should be reviewed to prevent long-term issues. With early care and simple prevention steps, most ear problems can be managed effectively and safely.