Common problems for older ears

Dry skin and earwax

As we get older the glands in our skin produce less moisture. This means that we tend to have dryer earwax which can get stuck, causing a physical obstruction that affects hearing. Dry earwax can also cause itchiness.

Don't try and remove earwax yourself – pushing fingers or cotton buds into your ear pushes wax onto your eardrum leading to inflammation or infection. Ask your doctor or practice nurse to remove any build-up of wax.
Dry or scratched skin in the outer ear can become inflamed. This can be painful and can lead to a watery discharge. Try not to get your ear wet or scratch it and ask your doctor for eardrops.

Ménière's disease

This is a problem with the inner ear that becomes more common as we get older. The symptoms include deafness, buzzing and loss of balance. It is linked to a build up of fluid in the inner ear, but the exact cause is unknown.

Symptoms may fluctuate over time and the condition itself can come and go with weeks or years in-between each bout. Treatments can include drugs and a low salt diet or an operation for more severe cases.

Ostosclerosis

This is a condition in which the tiny bones of the middle ear, which normally move to transmit sound, become less mobile. It causes gradual hearing loss. This condition can run in families, it tends to start at around 30 years of age and affects more women than men.

Hearing aids can help to treat the hearing loss. An operation can help to restore hearing when the condition becomes severe.

Tinnitus

Some people hear noises such as buzzing, ringing, hissing and roaring in their ears or head. This is called tinnitus and there are many different causes including injuries to the ear, hearing loss, stress, the impact of loud noise and some diseases of the ear. Sometimes tinnitus can occur for no apparent reason.

Strategies for managing tinnitus include relaxation techniques and avoiding absolute quiet. The RNID runs a tinnitus helpline on 0808 808 6666 or email tinnitushelpline@rnid.org.uk

Vertigo

Vertigo is a problem with balance where you feel that either yourself or your surroundings are constantly moving. It is most often a spinning sensation, but there may be a feeling that the ground is tilting. The inner ear is involved in controlling our balance and vertigo can be caused by degeneration of the inner ear's semicircular canals.

Note that there are many medical conditions that may make you feel dizzy and it is always a good idea to have the specific cause diagnosed and treated.
Bifocal glasses can contribute to balance problems for some people.