An outer ear infection, or otitis externa, is inflammation and swelling of the skin that lines the ear canal between the opening of the ear and the eardrum. It is characterised by pain and itching in the ear, temporary hearing loss and a discharge of smelly yellow-green pus.…

Earwax is an oily substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It is important for protecting the ear canal. It is usually harmless, however if it causes problems due to an excessive build-up, it can easily be treated.…

Meniere's disease is a condition of the inner ear that causes attacks of dizziness, loss of balance, ringing and hearing loss. It's thought that a build-up of fluid in the inner ear causes the pressure to rise, disrupting the hearing and balance signals from the inner ear to the brain.…

Hearing screening is a non-invasive tool used to identify hearing impairment in newborn babies and young children. It is particularly difficult to detect hearing impairment is the first two months of life without screening programs. Identifying hearing impairment early means that help for your child can start sooner.…

Age-related hearing loss, medically known as presbycusis, is the partial or complete loss of hearing that develops with age. It is a common condition, with up to one in three people over the age of 65 affected by varying degrees of hearing loss.…

A middle ear infection, also known as acute otitis media, occurs when fluid trapped behind the eardrum becomes infected with a virus or bacteria, causing an earache, fever, temporary hearing loss and unwellness. In young children symptoms can also include loss of balance, reduced hunger, disrupted sleep, and behavioural problems.…