Ear Health

29/10/2026

𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲.
He had woken having had a dream about putting his hearing aids in his ears. Once awake, his ears didn't feel quite right and his hearing aid batteries were missing.
So he came in for an ear check. And he had indeed installed both of his hearing aid batteries in his ears, while asleep.
A hearing aid battery stuck in the ear is a medical emergency because button/coin cells can react with body fluids, leak, or cause severe chemical burns and tissue damage in a short time.

𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗮𝗿. .

27/10/2026

Why we see so clearly in your ears. Surgical microscope ✅

22/09/2026

𝙁𝙡𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨?
we stock Earjobs flight ear plugs to help. ✈️🌎

20/08/2026

Interesting ear finds this week 👀🔭👂😮

09/08/2026

Sunday afternoon we were blessed to join the Free Haircuts & Other Services for Those In Need team at Carisbrook School Hall. Met and helped a lot of lovely folk. See you Melissa Aitken and the team again next year. It is a fabulous thing you have set up for the community . 👀🔭👂

03/08/2026

If you have any doubts about being able to get to clinic safely today please ring and cancel your appt.
Some staff have not been able to get in, so we are in the process of notifying clients and rescheduling appts .
thankyou for your patience and please exercise caution as we want you to stay safe.

24/07/2026

Saturday evening 25/7/26 update on feisty puss: puss remains at Emergency Vets for the next few days having treatment, but is comfortable. 🐈‍⬛

This cat was hit on Hillside Road outside our premises at 5.15 Friday evening . It was trying to cross Hillside Road to go from Richmond Street to Josephine Street. The cat has been injured and two of our staff have scooped it up off the road and taken it to Humanimals. It is an entire adult male cat, no microchip, black and white short haired.
It has had some chest injuries and was bleeding from the mouth but is alive and once it woke up, is somewhat feisty. It has had some pain relief and appears to have no broken limbs or spine.
After being assessed at Humanimals, our staff have taken it to Emergency Vets in Balmac who will care for it tonight and take care of it from there.
If this is your cat please contact Emergency Vets on 477 7233

Shoutout to Humanimals for seeing puss so quickly, and assessing him so quickly and loaning a cat cage to transport him in.

22/07/2026

Another dunner stunner start to our working day

21/07/2026

We've seen some things... 👀
After 8 cotton buds, 1 bottle of hydrogen peroxide, and 1 wax-softening drops today, here's our best advice if your ears are blocked and you'd like it fixed by us.
Just pop in a few drops of olive oil... and then stop. 😄
Book your appointment and let us do the rest.
In the meantime, please keep these out of your ears:
❌ Cotton buds
❌ Keys
❌ Matchsticks
❌ Pens
❌ Shower water
❌ Pretty much anything that isn't olive oil!

Olive oil loosens . We remove. It's a great team effort. ✅

05/07/2026

https://www.instagram.com/p/DaZJmmamTr8/?img_index=3&igsh=dzFxcWVpd2kxa21p
Are you one of the unique folk who can do this? Video courtesy of some of our kind clients with this hidden talent 👂👂

17/04/2024

🧐 Strange Things We Have Found Inside Ears During Microsuction 👂

Number 2. A colony of ear mites! 🕷️

Have you ever had anything unusual found in your ear?

(Picture for illustration purposes only)

02/04/2024

🧐 Strange Things We Have Found Inside Ears During Microsuction 👂

Number 1. Broken jewellery 💎

Have you ever had anything unusual found in your ear?

26/03/2024

👂🌀 Tinnitus Tuesday: Navigating the Sounds of Silence 👂🌀

Welcome back to . Today, let's explore the question: What does tinnitus sound like? 🤔

Tinnitus sounds unique to each individual. It's not just ringing in the ears; it can manifest in various auditory sensations. Here are some common descriptions of what tinnitus can sound like:

🔔 Ringing: The classic high-pitched ringing is what many people associate with tinnitus.

🐝 Buzzing: Similar to the sound of a buzzing insect.

❄️ Humming: A continuous low-pitched sound, like the hum of a refrigerator running.

🍃 Whooshing: Resembling the sound of wind rushing past the ears.

🖱️Clicking: A pattern of clicks or crackling sounds that can be irregular or rhythmic.

💨 Hissing: A steady hiss, like air escaping from a tyre.

🌊 Roaring: A deep, throbbing noise akin to the roar of an ocean wave.

The sound may also change entirely or vary in tone, pitch, or intensity.

Tinnitus is common, with surveys estimating that 10 to 25% of adults experience it (NIDCD, 2023). Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Despite its challenges, many have discovered successful strategies to manage tinnitus.

21/03/2024

An incredible (and slightly grotesque) story courtesy of our fantastic team in Dunedin.

Our favourite is the mummified fly! 🪰

Which is yours?

One patient had poured vodka in her ear, while another was found with a mummified fly. Just one of dozens of weird items Rachel Still has recovered from inside ears.

12/03/2024

🎶✨ Tinnitus Tuesday: Discover the Harmony of Sound Therapy

Welcome to our series, where we share tips and tricks to manage tinnitus and bring more peace into your life. 🕊️

Today, we're tuning into the power of sound therapy - a method that can play a key role in your tinnitus management journey. 🎧

Sound therapy isn't just about listening to music; it's a therapeutic approach that uses specific sounds to reduce the prominence of tinnitus, helping your brain focus on external noises instead of the internal ringing. 🧠🎶

Here's how it can help:

Masking: Certain sounds can cover the tinnitus noise, providing immediate relief. White noise machines or apps that simulate natural sounds like rain or ocean waves can be particularly effective. 🌧️🌊

Distraction: Sound therapy can help divert your attention away from tinnitus, making it less bothersome. Engaging with music, audiobooks, or podcasts can be a great way to redirect your focus. 📚🎵

Habituation: Over time, your brain can learn to ignore tinnitus sounds, a process supported by sound therapy. This can help reduce the impact of tinnitus on your daily life. 🔄

Relaxation: The stress and anxiety tinnitus causes can exacerbate symptoms. Sound therapy contributes to relaxation and stress relief, breaking this cycle. 🧘‍♂️

If you're curious about incorporating sound therapy into your tinnitus management plan, you can start by exploring apps (iOS and Android) for sound masking, including:

myNoise
NatureSpace
Endel

Don't let tinnitus silence your life's soundtrack. With sound therapy, discover new ways to find harmony and relief. 🎼💕

06/03/2024

Microsuction with an ENT microscope provides a magnified view of the ear canal and eardrum, ensuring precision in every procedure.

Audiologist Dr Soren Thompson expertly handles the advanced ZEISS OPMI Pico microscope in this image.

05/03/2024

👂✨ Be A Friend to Every Ear: How to Support Those with Hearing Loss ✨👂

Inclusivity means ensuring everyone is part of the conversation in our vibrant communities. 🌈 At Ear Health, we're dedicated to fostering environments where individuals with hearing loss feel fully supported. Here's how you can help:

Seek Out the Light: Good lighting is vital. Ensure you're facing the person, allowing them to read your lips and expressions easily. 🌟

Clarity Over Volume: Speak clearly, at a measured pace. There's no need to shout; it's understanding we're after, not volume. 🗣️

Keep It Natural: Let your lip movements flow naturally. Over-exaggeration isn't necessary and makes it harder to understand you. 👄

One Voice at a Time: Ensure only one person speaks at a time in group settings. This makes it easier to follow along and feel included. 👥

Minimise the Noise: Background noise can be a significant barrier. If possible, reduce it or move to a quieter location. 🚫🔊

Inclusion is Key: Always include everyone in activities and conversations. No one should feel left out. 💓

Avoid Postponements: Saying "I'll tell you later" can isolate someone. Share in the moment, ensuring everyone is part of the experience.⏳

Creating a hearing loss-friendly environment is simpler than you might think. These small acts of consideration can make a big difference in someone's day. Let's all do our part to ensure our communities are welcoming to everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities. 💬❤️

14/02/2024

Q. What does a burst eardrum feel like? 🤔👂

A. A burst eardrum can feel like a sudden sharp pain in the ear, followed by relief from the pain, drainage of fluids, which may include blood or pus, hearing loss in the affected ear, ringing or buzzing noise (tinnitus), and sometimes dizziness or vertigo.

These symptoms can vary based on the cause and severity of the eardrum rupture. It's essential to seek medical advice if you suspect you have a burst eardrum to prevent complications and promote healing.

Learn more: https://www.earhealth.co.nz/signs-of-a-burst-eardrum-or-perforated-eardrum/

06/02/2024

5 Home Care Tips for Eardrum Perforation Recovery

🔹 Warm Compress: Apply a warm, dry cloth to the affected ear to help reduce pain and inflammation.
🔹 Manage Ear Pressure: Blow your nose gently to avoid additional pressure on the eardrum.
🔹 Keep Water Out: Use earplugs or a shower cap to protect your ears from water during healing.
🔹 Dry Ear Canal: Maintain a dry ear canal to prevent infections; consider ear microsuction if dampness persists.
🔹 Be Cautious with Ear Drops: Only use ear drops if recommended by a healthcare professional to avoid complications.

🩺 Always prioritise medical advice while considering these strategies for comfort and support during recovery.

04/01/2024

Happy New Year from Ear Health!

We hope it's a year brimming with new journeys, accomplishments, and boundless joy. May this year shine even brighter, presenting numerous opportunities for success and delight.