The Surge in Ear Issues: Insights from Our Clinical Team

Lately at The Lanby, our clinical team has noticed more patients coming in with ear-related concerns:
- Ear fullness or stuffiness
- Itchiness or irritation
- Earwax buildup requiring removal (lavage)
- Occasional muffled hearing

What’s Driving This?

There isn't one single cause, but a few contributing factors we're seeing: 

• Seasonal shifts & allergies: Spring and early summer pollen can trigger more congestion, Eustachian tube dysfunction, and itchiness inside the ear canal.
• Increased headphone & earbud use: Frequent in-ear devices can trap moisture, introduce bacteria, and mechanically irritate the canal.
• DIY ear cleaning habits: Q-tips and ear picks often push wax deeper rather than removing it, increasing buildup.
• Humidity & sweat: Warmer months mean more moisture retention in the ears, especially for active individuals.

A Few Functional Prevention Tips:

• Support sinus health: Manage allergies and congestion with a proactive approach — consider nasal rinses (like neti pots or saline sprays), quercetin, NAC, or other anti-inflammatory support to keep Eustachian tubes clear.
• Mind ear hygiene: Avoid inserting Q-tips or ear picks into the canal. Instead, use occasional external ear rinses with warm water or drops (olive oil, mineral oil, or over-the-counter ear drops) to soften wax naturally.
• Balance moisture: After workouts, swims, or showers, gently towel dry the outer ear. If prone to moisture retention, occasional use of drying drops (like isopropyl alcohol + white vinegar mixtures) can help reduce risk of swimmer's ear.
• Limit in-ear device time: Take breaks from headphones and earbuds to reduce mechanical irritation, trap less moisture, and allow the ear canal to self-regulate.
• Optimize your terrain: Address underlying inflammation, histamine intolerance, or microbiome imbalances that may drive chronic itching or congestion via individualized care.

When to See Your Provider:

If you're experiencing persistent fullness, pain, hearing changes, or visible wax buildup, our care team can safely evaluate and treat it, often with a simple, quick lavage.

Ear symptoms are common and very treatable when addressed early.