Adult ENT Resources

Information and advice sheets for common ear, nose and throat conditions in adults

Ear Conditions

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can develop gradually or suddenly and has many causes. Understanding the type of hearing loss is key to finding the right treatment.

Common Causes

  • Age-related (presbycusis) - gradual hearing loss, usually affecting high frequencies first
  • Noise exposure - from work, music or recreational activities
  • Earwax blockage - often easily treated
  • Ear infections - may cause temporary or permanent changes
  • Otosclerosis - abnormal bone growth in the middle ear

When to Seek Help

  • Sudden hearing loss (seek urgent medical attention)
  • Gradual difficulty following conversations
  • Needing to turn up the TV or radio
  • Hearing loss with dizziness or tinnitus

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your consultation will typically include a detailed history, examination of your ears, and a hearing test (audiogram). Further tests such as scans may be arranged if needed.

⤓ Download Hearing Loss Advice Sheet (PDF)

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sound (ringing, buzzing, humming) when there is no external source. It affects around 1 in 8 adults.

Understanding Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease. It's often associated with hearing loss but can occur with normal hearing. Most tinnitus is not a sign of a serious underlying condition.

Common Causes

  • Age-related hearing changes
  • Noise exposure
  • Earwax buildup
  • Stress and fatigue
  • Certain medications

Managing Tinnitus

  • Sound enrichment - background sounds can make tinnitus less noticeable
  • Hearing aids - if hearing loss is present
  • CBT and mindfulness - help change your response to tinnitus
  • Sleep and stress management - often improves symptoms
⤓ Download Tinnitus Advice Sheet (PDF)

Ear Infections

Ear infections can affect the outer ear canal (otitis externa) or middle ear (otitis media). Treatment depends on the type and severity.

Outer Ear Infection (Otitis Externa)

Often called "swimmer's ear", this causes pain, itching and discharge. Common triggers include water exposure, cotton bud use, and eczema.

  • Keep the ear dry
  • Avoid putting objects in the ear
  • Antibiotic/steroid ear drops are usually effective
  • May need ear cleaning (microsuction) by a specialist

Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)

Causes earache, reduced hearing and sometimes fever. Most cases resolve without antibiotics but some need treatment.

⤓ Download Ear Infections Advice Sheet (PDF)

Earwax Build-up

Earwax is normal and protects the ear canal. Problems occur when wax builds up and blocks the ear, causing hearing loss, discomfort or tinnitus.

What to Do

  • Don't use cotton buds - they push wax deeper and can damage the ear
  • Olive oil drops - use 2-3 drops twice daily for 1-2 weeks to soften wax
  • Microsuction - safe, effective removal by a specialist using gentle suction
  • Ear irrigation - water-based removal (not suitable for everyone)

Prevention

Some people naturally produce more wax. Regular use of olive oil drops (once or twice weekly) can help prevent build-up.

⤓ Download Earwax Advice Sheet (PDF)

Nose & Sinus Conditions

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, causing facial pain, nasal congestion and thick discharge. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting 12+ weeks).

Symptoms

  • Blocked nose and thick nasal discharge
  • Pain or pressure around cheeks, eyes or forehead
  • Reduced sense of smell
  • Headache, especially when bending forward

Self-Care for Acute Sinusitis

  • Saline nasal rinses (using sterile salt water)
  • Steam inhalation
  • Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain
  • Stay hydrated
  • Most cases resolve within 2-3 weeks

When to See a Doctor

If symptoms persist beyond 10-14 days, keep recurring, or are severe, you should seek medical advice. Chronic sinusitis may need specialist assessment and treatment.

⤓ Download Sinusitis Advice Sheet (PDF)

Nasal Blockage

Persistent nasal blockage has many causes including a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, nasal polyps, or allergies.

Common Causes

  • Deviated septum - the wall between nostrils is crooked
  • Turbinate enlargement - swelling of structures inside the nose
  • Nasal polyps - non-cancerous growths in the nose/sinuses
  • Allergic rhinitis - inflammation from allergies

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause and may include nasal sprays, allergy management, or surgery for structural problems.

⤓ Download Nasal Blockage Advice Sheet (PDF)

Nosebleeds (Epistaxis)

Nosebleeds are common and usually not serious. Most can be managed at home, but recurrent or severe bleeds need medical attention.

First Aid for Nosebleeds

  1. Sit upright and lean slightly forward (not back)
  2. Pinch the soft part of your nose firmly
  3. Hold for 10-15 minutes continuously without checking
  4. Breathe through your mouth
  5. Apply ice to the bridge of your nose

When to Seek Help

  • Bleeding doesn't stop after 20 minutes
  • Heavy bleeding or difficulty breathing
  • You're taking blood-thinning medication
  • Frequent nosebleeds (more than once a week)
⤓ Download Nosebleeds Advice Sheet (PDF)

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis causes sneezing, runny nose, itching and congestion. It can be seasonal (hay fever) or year-round (perennial).

Management

  • Allergen avoidance - identify and reduce exposure to triggers
  • Antihistamines - tablets or nasal sprays
  • Steroid nasal sprays - very effective for regular use
  • Saline rinses - help clear allergens and mucus
  • Immunotherapy - for severe cases not responding to other treatments
⤓ Download Allergic Rhinitis Advice Sheet (PDF)

Throat & Voice Conditions

Voice Problems (Hoarseness)

Changes to your voice can have many causes, from simple vocal strain to conditions requiring treatment. A hoarse voice lasting more than 3 weeks should be checked.

Common Causes

  • Vocal strain from overuse or misuse
  • Laryngitis (inflammation of the voice box)
  • Vocal cord nodules or polyps
  • Acid reflux affecting the throat
  • Less commonly, other conditions requiring investigation

Voice Care Tips

  • Stay well hydrated
  • Avoid shouting or whispering
  • Rest your voice when it's tired
  • Avoid throat clearing - sip water instead
  • Don't smoke
Important: If you have a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks, please see your GP. This is especially important if you smoke or have smoked.
⤓ Download Voice Problems Advice Sheet (PDF)

Swallowing Difficulties

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) can affect eating, drinking and quality of life. It's important to identify the cause.

Types of Swallowing Problems

  • High dysphagia - difficulty starting a swallow, may cause coughing
  • Low dysphagia - food feels stuck lower down
  • Globus - sensation of a lump in the throat (usually not a blockage)

When to Seek Help

  • New or worsening difficulty swallowing
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Food getting stuck
  • Regurgitation or choking
⤓ Download Swallowing Difficulties Advice Sheet (PDF)

Snoring & Sleep Apnoea

Snoring is common, but heavy snoring with breathing pauses may indicate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which needs treatment.

Signs of Sleep Apnoea

  • Loud snoring with witnessed breathing pauses
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Morning headaches
  • Poor concentration

Lifestyle Changes That Help

  • Lose weight if overweight
  • Avoid alcohol before bed
  • Sleep on your side
  • Keep regular sleep hours
  • Treat nasal congestion
⤓ Download Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Advice Sheet (PDF)

Neck Lumps

Most neck lumps are benign (non-cancerous), but any new neck lump should be checked by a doctor, especially if it persists for more than 3 weeks.

Common Causes

  • Lymph nodes - often enlarge with infections, usually settle
  • Thyroid lumps - in the front of the neck
  • Salivary gland swelling - under the jaw or in front of the ear
  • Cysts - fluid-filled lumps
See your GP promptly if you have:
  • A neck lump lasting more than 3 weeks
  • A lump that is hard or fixed
  • Associated symptoms (hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, ear pain)
⤓ Download Neck Lumps Advice Sheet (PDF)

Download All Resources

Ear Conditions

Nose & Sinus Conditions

Throat & Voice Conditions