EAR PAIN RELIEF

Earaches are very common - especially in the very young. Why? It is associated with the way the middle ear tubes are arranged. When we were very young, the tubes were more convoluted (coiled or twisted ). With each passing birthday the tubes in our middle ear became more straight. Theoretically the changes continue until the head and ears are fully grown. Practically, though, recurring problems with the middle ear seem to diminish by the 6th birthday - maybe a little later. The exact timing is not really that critical - just know that things improve with time.

Why discuss this piece of physiology? Water and air can get into those tubes, and become "trapped". Think of a garden hose that you've just disconnected from the faucet. If you twist and turn it water will come out the ends. It is far easier to twist and turn a hose than to twist and turn a person.

Why would air and fluid in the ear tubes be a bother? Tiny amounts can cause blockages, similar to a cork in a bottle but in a much tinier scale. The tubes should remain clear and free of all material, including water. Blocking air and water into the tuibes can put extra pressure on the very sensitive nerve endings deeper in the ear canal - ear pain results.

In addition, trapped water can easily contain bacteria which would find the moist, warm environment in the ear to be a perfect place to grow and multiply. That leads to a infection. Infections are often accompanied by inflammation and swelling. Swelling adds pressure - pain results.

So, two things can take place in the twisted ear canals; trapped air and water and infections. Infections are usually treated with an antibiotic. The infections often return regularly - especially for those children with particularly torturous ear tubes. It seems far wiser to try to prevent infections instead of treating them over and over.

Simple methods that can relieve ear pain and potentially prevent infections.

First, be careful that water does not enter the ear canal, especially when bathing or swimming. It is relatively easy to keep bath water out of the ears - just be careful. Such is not the case when swimming. For children who have experienced ear infections in the past I'd suggest inserting a clean earplug when swimming. There are many on the market so you can choose the type that best meets your needs (price, comfort, ease of use, etc). The KEY for earplugs is cleanliness. It is common, but illogical, to insert a dirth earplug into a nice, clean ear. Take time to clean them and store them properly. I actually prefer the disposable ones that come packed in a plastic bag. These can be swabbed with alcohol and allowed to dry before use. They are light, comfortable and cheap. Most drugstores stock them.

Some earplugs can be molded into the ear canal. They feel like wax, or they're foam that has been impregnated with a waxy material. These are better suited for blocking noise than keeping water out of the ear. Theay also seem more difficult to keep clean.

That should take care of the water issue, but sometimes babies cry from ear pain even when they haven't been in any water. It is possible for small amounts of fluid to enter the ear tubes (perspiration, for example). Even a tiny drop can cause temporary blockages of an air bubble with the resulting pain. This can be particularly bothersome during takeoffs and landings. Remove the bubble and the pain will subside.

I suppose you could twist and turn the baby - like the garden hose - with the idea of allowing the air bubble to eascape. That doesn't seem practical. One company has developed a device that applies a gentle vibration behind the ear. The vibrations are supposed to help relieve the pain by assisting the removal of the air bubbles and water drops. The device is called EARDOC. I have tried this and it really works very well. Click on the product name above and you will be redirected to a page where you can order directly.

There is another way to achieve practically the same results - TAPPING. If you don't have an EARDOC available you can simulate it's vibrations by gently tapping behind the person's ear (I say PERSON becasue this works on babies and adults alike). Use two or three fingers and gently tap on the head from just above the ear to the place just below where the tissue softens (to the back of the jaw line). This is very easy with small children. Cradle the child in one arm and tap gently with the opposite hand's fingers. Tap gently, moving from top to bottom and bottom to top. It is very soothing and relaxing. I have instructed distraught parents with screaming babies how to do this on airplane flights. They found their babies relaxing and even falling asleep with just a minute or two of tapping.

Tapping works anywhere and doesn't require a device or batteries. You can even add to the effectiveness of this approach by gently talking to the person (or even yourself) while tapping. Same something like, "even though this pain is bothering you, everything will be ok".

I recommend EARDOC but the tapping is an excellent alternative - and I have seen it work in many situations, even when ear pain doesn't seem to be the problem. Gentle tapping and a few soothing words often make everything ok.