Ear conditions are common, and usually inflammatory or infectious by nature.
It is especially common in children, and more likely to occur in those who are frequently exposed to water.
Swimmer’s ear is an ear condition caused by water getting trapped in the ear canal after swimming.
What are the causes and risk factors?
Ear conditions (such as Swimmer’s Ear for example) not only affects swimmers but also those with eczema or excess earwax. It may even occur from excessive cleaning of the ear canal, contact with chemicals (such as hair spray), or contact with bacteria in hot tubs and Jacuzzis. Therefore the well-known saying from doctors that the largest thing you are allowed to insert into your ear is your elbow!
What are the signs and symptoms?
Typical signs and symptoms include the following:
- Pain
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling
- Draining of fluids or pus
- Difficulty in hearing
- Ringing in the ear
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Nausea or vomiting
How are ear conditions diagnosed?
Although ear conditions can be a painful, the diagnostic process is at least a pain-free experience. Diagnosis is mostly based on symptoms and physical examination of the ear canal with a lighted scope called an otoscope.
How can ear conditions be managed?
The approach to the management of ear conditions calls for a product in the form of a topical eardrop that is dually anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial.
A July 2016 Medscape article by Ariel A. Waitzman states that the primary treatment for ear conditions should involve the management of pain, removal of debris from the external auditory canal and the administration of topical medications to control oedema and infection.
Silverlab Ear Rescue drops with SilverRepair™ is a new generation eardrop and the first line of defence against outer ear infection. Each 8 drops of Silverlab Ear Rescue contains 6 mcg (18 mcg/ml) ionic colloidal silver in deionised purified water. It is simultaneously anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral, yet safe and nontoxic, without the risk of causing bacterial resistance or burning on application, without introducing added oils, alcohol or pH-altering substances into the canal, thereby respecting the unique nature and functionality of natural earwax. It also reduces the overall surface tension within the ear canal to allow trapped water, impurities, debris and bloody crusts to drain freely. Another unique aspect of Silverlab Ear Rescue is that it is safe for use, and recommended in individuals with grommets or perforated ear drums.
How should Silverlab Ear Rescue be used?
- Position the head with one ear facing upwards. Place 8 drops of liquid into the ear.
- For best results, hold this position for 2 minutes or more before draining the contents onto a tissue. Repeat if necessary.
- The bottle may be warmed to body temperature by holding the bottle close to the body in a pocket for example, or warmed up by placing it in clean, warm water not exceeding 38°C.
- To prevent contamination of the drops, the bottle should not be immersed in water past the top of the label.
- The product may be used for extended periods of time.
For more information and patient information leaflets visit https://www.silverlab.co.za/product/ear-rescue-30-ml/
