Most people tend to ignore their ear troubles until they disrupt routine activities. The causes of ear-related issues can vary from simple ear wax build-up to dreaded ear infections. Getting your ears checked out regularly is crucial to preventing ear-related diseases and their complications.

You can watch out for signs that indicate your ears need immediate care and treatment. Here are some of them.

1.  Severe Ear Pain

Ear pain can result from simple ear wax buildup or severe ear infections. You can also be experiencing referred pain, where the pain from other parts of your body transfers to your ear through connecting nerves. So if you have a bad toothache, it can lead to referred pain in your ears.

If your pain persists for long periods, worsens overnight, or you get a fever, book an appointment with your doctor at once.

2.  Dizziness

You can tell if you’re experiencing dizziness when your head is whirling or spinning or feels unsteady, imbalanced, or light-headed. Specific head movements and sudden changes in posture can worsen your dizziness.

If you have excess fluid build-up in your inner ear, it can lead to dizziness. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing frequent bouts of dizziness.

3.  Bleeding from the Ear

If you notice bleeding from your ears, visit your doctor immediately. Your ear could be bleeding for various reasons, but only an experienced healthcare professional can determine the exact cause.

When something gets stuck inside the canal and causes injury to your eardrums, it could lead to your ears bleeding. A ruptured eardrum and severe ear infections can also make your ears bleed.

4.  Sound In The Ear (Tinnitus)

If you can hear ringing noises or other sounds within your head and find no visible source for the sound, chances are you have Tinnitus. Tinnitus can be a sign of hearing loss. If the ringing occurs suddenly in one ear, it could be sudden sensorineural hearing loss or ear fluid. In these cases, urgent treatment may help. Talk to an ENT specialist if you hear ringing noises within your ears, especially if it occurs suddenly in one ear.

5.  Visible Objects in the Ear Canal

Toddlers like to put objects in their ears, mouths, and noses. This is a common problem with toddlers. They may accidentally put small objects inside their ears that block the ear canal. Sometimes, insects and flies could enter your ears and get stuck inside the ear canal. Only a medical professional should remove these foreign objects from your ear. Don’t attempt to remove them on your own. You could injure the eardrum further in the process.

6.  Sudden Hearing Loss

If you lose your hearing suddenly or over the span of several days, it is referred to as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). SSHL is a serious medical condition that calls for immediate medical attention. Book an appointment with an ENT specialist if you experience loss of hearing.

7.  Ear Discharge

If you have a middle or outer ear infection, it’s common to see some pus discharge from the ear. However, if you notice white or yellow discharge, or in some cases, blood discharge coming from your ears, seek medical attention at once.

8.  Swelling Around the Ear

Ear infections caused by bacteria, fungus, or viruses can lead to swelling behind the ear. Most of the time, the swelling is associated with a swollen lymph node. If a fever, pain, or worsening redness accompanies the swelling, seek medical care immediately.

If you notice any of these symptoms and require an experienced ENT specialist in Louisville, KY, book an appointment with ENT Care Centers. We are committed to providing our patients with the best ENT care and treatment available. Contact us today.