Common reasons for ear health problems
Instruction
In this topic you will learn about some of the most common causes of ear health problems.
Causes of ear health problems
- Blocked ear
- Ear infections
- Lifestyle and environmental risks.
Blocked ear
Blocked ears may cause temporary hearing loss.
A person’s ear may be blocked by a build up of ear wax or a foreign body.
Ear wax
The ear canal produces yellow or brown wax which helps protect the ear. As new wax is produced, old wax passes out of the ear naturally. There is no need to clean it out.
Sometimes wax builds up in the ear. This can block the ear canal. Ear wax blocking the ear canal should be safely removed.
Foreign body in the ear
This is an unwanted object that is stuck in the ear but should not be there.
A foreign body in the ear should be safely removed.
Question
Which of these statements about ear wax are correct?
Select three.
If you selected b, c and d, you are correct!
a is incorrect. Ear wax is normal and will usually pass out of the ear canal by itself. It is only when ear wax builds up and blocks the ear canal that it should be removed.
Ear wax or foreign bodies should be removed by ear care personnel. If a person tries to remove something blocking the ear by themselves, it may make it worse and cause harm.

Ear wax blocking the ear canal
Ear infections
Ear infections may cause temporary hearing loss.
- Most infections only need simple treatment
- Sometimes they need surgery.
Some ear infections are difficult to notice. There may be no discomfort or discharge, but the infection can remain for a long time.
The only sign of a problem might be hearing loss. This can affect a child’s learning if untreated.
If untreated, an ear infection may cause a child’s eardrum to burst, leading to permanent damage of the ear.
Lifestyle and environmental risks
Things in our lifestyle and environment may put us at risk of hearing and ear health problems.
Remember Garret?
Garret is 9 years old and lives in a fishing village. He likes swimming in the sea with his friends. Garret has experienced pain and discharge in his ear several times.
Garret is an example of a child at risk of developing ear infections due to swimming in dirty water.
Instruction
Learn more about lifestyle and environmental risks in Tips for healthy eyes and ears.