Apart from excess ear wax, there are many other problems that can affect the ears. The following are common conditions that you may come across in the pharmacy, but most will require diagnosis and treatment by a doctor:

Otitis media

This is an infection of the middle ear that is common among children because of the shape of the young Eustachian tube. It can also sometimes affect adults.

Symptoms include earache, hearing loss, fever and tinnitus. Babies may pull and tug at their ears. When not properly treated, otitis media can result in a ruptured eardrum, causing severe pain and deafness. There may also be a discharge of pus from the ear.

Treatment for a case of simple otitis media is sometimes a course of antibiotics. Always refer these customers to the pharmacist.

Glue ear

This is a type of chronic otitis media. It occurs following a long-term build-up of thick or sticky fluid in the middle ear, behind the eardrum, and causes hearing loss. It commonly affects children.

Otitis externa

This is a bacterial or fungal infection that affects the ear canal. Again, it is common in children and often occurs when too much water gets inside the ear, removing the protective ear wax coating in the ear canal and making it easier for germs to thrive. In fact, it's sometimes called swimmer's ear and is most common in the summer months, when more of us are inclined to go swimming.

Symptoms include pain and itching, dulled hearing and ear discharge.

An OTC product containing a solution of acetic acid is available for the treatment of mild otitis externa. This acts as an antifungal and antibacterial in the external ear canal, but should only be used in adults and children aged 12 years and over. Example: EarCalm Spray.

There is also a product available to remove water that may be trapped inside the ear. Example: Swim-Ear.

Severe cases may require a topical anti-inflammatory product containing an antibiotic or antifungal on prescription. In such cases, it is important that customers are seen by a doctor so that infections like otitis media can be ruled out.