PRP, Ears and Impaired Hearing

From the Editor The PRP Survival Guide is designed to be a repository of experiences and insights shared by PRP patients and their caregivers. Collectively, the PRP community possesses a wealth of practical knowledge about pityriasis rubra pilaris. Only we are best positioned to harvest that knowledge.

Share what you have learned about PRP, ears and impaired hearing. Share articles you feel might be worth reading or websites worth visiting. Whenever you have PRP-realated insights to share. please email those “sharings” to editor@prpSurvivalGuide.org.

Bill M (Plano, Texas)

Sometimes a debilitating disease like pityriasis rubra pilaris brings out the STUPID in us.

Over a period of nearly three months my hearing deteriorated. It was such a slow process that I didn’t know it was happening. My family was talking louder, but it sounded normal to me. I turned up the volume on the television and could hear fine. If my hearing are not already been impaired I would have heard the knocking at the door and a voice saying, “Hey Stupid. Check your ears!”

Sometimes a debilitating disease like pityriasis rubra pilaris brings out the STUPID in us. Over a period of nearly three months my hearing deteriorated. It was such a slow process that I didn’t know it was happening. My family was talking louder, but it sounded normal to me. I turned up the volume on the television and could hear fine. If my hearing are not already been impaired I would have heard the knocking at the door and a voice saying, “Hey Stupid. Check your ears!”

During the past four years I have tried to avoid using the the word otorhinolaryngologist. I actually had to go to YouTube to listen to someone say it. Actually, it’s not that difficult:

OH-toe, RYE-no, lair-in-OL-o-gist

My newly discovered otolaryngologist removed two plugs the size of jelly beans – one out of each ear. The medical term is cerumen (pronounced ci-RU-min). It is the brown, orange, red or yellowish waxy substance secreted in the ear to protect the skin of the human ear canal. It also provides protection against bacteria, fungi, and water.

He also discovered inflammation in both ears. I came back every 30 days for the next 9 months, then quarterly for a year. The inflammation finally disappeared.

When dealing with your dermatologist and impaired hearing is the topic, demonstrate your own ear-savviness. Do not call the stuff in your ear “the stuff in my ear” or a “jelly bean”. Ask the following question:

“I may have a build up of cerumen. Do you think I need a referral to an otolaryngologist?”

The real takeaway here is this: If I had seen the ENT sooner, I might have avoided a year of inflammation. (Revised November 25, 2020)

Richard L – Lansdale, Pennsylvania

I’ve written about it many times and am still a firm believer. 3% Hydrogen peroxide solution in the ear for 10 minutes followed by a baby syringe rinse…. one ear at a time . When things were at their worst (totally blocked), 2 days in a row were required. I’ve never had to see an ENT or had ears vacuumed. All kinds of gunk and crud came out. Used to do it every week or two. now just ever month or two. Always passed my annual PCP exam with flying colors. It’s cheap. Give it a try. (April 9, 2019)

Lorna R – Eugene, Oregon

The vacuum procedure is the most efficient and safest. I went at least once a month for a good while to the ENT Specialist. We really should not be putting liquids in our ears. (April 9, 2019)

Amber H (Port-au-Prince, Haiti)

I think I’ve been in denial, but time to do something about these ears. Sort of hurt sometimes, but mild. But yesterday I went up the mountain, and increasing elevation really just made me yucky, and I think a lot due to the clogged ears issue. I think I’m hearing ok (for now), and it’s not yet a big deal, but I want to address it before it is. Is there any at home remedies people do? I have tried hydrogen peroxide but doesn’t seem to do much. (and I am an avid Q-tipper. (April 24, 2016)

Brenda M (Kent, England)

Hi Amber, firstly throw away the q-tips! The skin in the ear usually moves gradually to the outside where dead skin sheds naturally. Unfortunately in PRP with the increased skin production, the action of the movement which is aided by wax does not happen quickly enough and the skin and wax build up within the ear canal. It forms a cone plug, which to begin with will have a hollow centre allowing you to hear until it is almost completely blocked. It can itch, bleed and suppurate. It needs to be sorted by a professional who will clear the ear out using suction instruments and not syringing.

Syringing introduces water to the ear canal which, with the additional issue of skin thinning lead to infections. Before you go to your appointment it is a good idea to soften the skin build up with a couple of drops of olive oil night and morning for 2/3 days before hand.

PS according to my mother, the only thing you should ever put in your ear is your elbow!! (April 24, 2016)

Bill M – Plano, Texas

Listen to Brenda M. At one point I was having an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist remove the wax / skin plug from my Outer Ear every 30 days. In my case there was also some inflammation that didn’t clear up until I was in remission. There is absolutely no better way to remove the wax/skin plug than with a professional. (April 24, 2016)

Nicola G – Cromwell, New Zealand

I have always had my ears suctioned once a year since I wear hearing aids, it’s the safest way to look after your ears and hearing. (April 24, 2016)

Glen M – Glenview, Illinois

An ENT will do more than just clean your ears. A thorough exam of your ears may reveal inflammation and require some some medication usually a steroid based drops. A big relief is that they are professionals who see and treat this inflammatory disease from a different perspective. They may also advise you to keep your ears dry as possible during this phase. (April 24, 2016)