PUNE: Cold weather has taken a toll on the ear as people of all age groups complain of middle and inner ear infections.
ENT specialists said bacteria and viruses thrive in cold weather, increasing the chances of ear infection in children and adults.
Alkesh Oswal (ENT), Apollo Spectra Hospital, Pune, said, “I see around 10-12 patients on an average daily with ear infection. Children are more prone to this, but number of patients with ear infections is significantly higher than last year, which calls for a study on whether the spread of Omicron has been leading to more ear infections this year.”
He added, “The infection spreads to one’s middle ear, leading to fluid build-up behind the eardrum. The main cause of ear inflammation can be attributed to compromised immunity due to the cold, resulting in irritation a
nd the trapped moisture or bacteria causing otitis media.”
Medical experts said the symptoms range from ear pain, which worsens during exposure to cold air, dizziness, headache, tenderness, swelling, unusual discharge, and temporary hearing loss.
Vrushali Rahul Telang, an ENT consultant at Lokmanya Hospital, said, “Increase in episodes of cough and cold, paediatric ear infections such as AOM are common during winter. Nasal infections can also contribute to earache. The number of ear infection cases has increased since last year because of continued earphone usage, wrong ear cleaning habits and excessive use of earphones and buds.”
Shailya Joshi, another ENT specialist, warned against using earbuds to clean inside the ears. “Breaking of skin in the ear canal can lead to spread and worsening of infection, leading to hearing loss in severe cases.”
