How does climate change affect ear health

The impact of climate change can widely be seen affecting the overall health of a person. But ear health is often overlooked in the process and is only paid attention to when experiencing discomfort or certain issues. It might not occur to many, but maintaining proper ear health is also a crucial factor in contributing to the overall health of a person.

Climate change is responsible for giving rise to a host of ear problems. Inducing fluctuations in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and seasonal pattern, it can trigger allergic reactions and cause ear infection in the person. It can exacerbate the underlying respiratory issues and give rise to conditions of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and other problems in a person. The pollutants and allergens dispersed in the air come with the ability to irritate the respiratory tract and influence the functioning of ENT systems.

The warm and humid conditions a common outcome of climate change can give rise to incidences of sinusitis, otitis media (infection in the inner ear), and chronic rhinosinusitis. The condition also promotes fungal attacks such as otomycosis, which can affect the outer ear canal and even extend to the inner ear. In addition to this, the changes in temperature and humidity levels trigger fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, which compromise the equilibrium of the ear. The sudden pressure changes have a damaging effect on the balance system, which is present in the inner ear, and likewise, give rise to issues of vertigo, dizziness, and other balance problems in a person.

Severely impacting ear health, climate change increases instances of ear congestion, excessive wax buildup, itchiness, earache, fluid discharge, and, in extreme cases, can even lead to hearing loss in the affected person. Therefore, looking at the intensity of damage it can do to the ear, the article explores preventive measures to protect the ears from deteriorating.

1) Ear Hygiene
Maintaining ear hygiene is essential to cope with the diseases caused by climate change. Keeping the ear dry can play a crucial role in discouraging the development of infection arising due to bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. But in the process, it is important to abstain from using cotton swabs, which can introduce germs and other infection-causing organisms to the ear. At the same time, it can push the ear wax further into the inner ear, which can have a more damaging effect than cleaning the ear. Rather, people can make use of clean cotton cloth to dry the ear and maintain proper ear hygiene.

2) Exercise
Indulging in regular physical activity ensures proper circulation of blood in the ear and promotes optimal function of the vestibular system. Boosting the immunity of the person, exercise can strengthen the defense mechanism of the ear and help fight against bacterial and fungal infections. At the same time, it can significantly contribute to reducing the inflammation in the ear.

3) Hydration
Proper intake of fluids can help in keeping the ear hydrated, alleviating the issue of irritation or infection in it. At the same time, ensuring proper functioning of the respiratory systems, it can minimize the spreading of infection in the ear.

4) Consult an ENT specialist
Even after taking the necessary precautions, in case one develops ear problems, it is recommended to immediately visit an otolaryngologist for expert intervention. Conducting a thorough diagnosis of the condition, they can help in the timely treatment of the condition and prevent any unforeseen situation.

(Author: Dr. Vivek Kumar Pathak, senior ENT consultant at HearClear)