What could be causing this sudden deafness?

I have gone deaf in one ear over the weekend and I’m due to fly off on holiday next week. I thought it was due to wax build-up, so I used an ear candling device, but it hasn’t helped. It is now also getting painful. What do you think it might be?

I’M not a fan of ear candling so I suggest you stop this. Your GP needs to take a look as while it might indeed be wax, it could also be infected.

Remember any poking and prodding you do can lead to infection.

Depending on how long you have before your trip you could soften the wax and aim to have it syringed out at the end of the week.

Wax softening drops are available through pharmacies but I wouldn’t advise starting until you see your doctor, as if it’s infected this might cause irritation.

If it is just wax that’s causing the blockage, then a syringe is all you need.

However pre-softening is essential so you must use drops for three to five days prior for it to be effective.

If time is not on your side and wax is the issue there are many clinics which now offer affordable ear suctioning. This is where wax is suctioned out.

If you have an ear infection you are likely to need drops and antibiotics by mouth and you will need clearance before you fly or swim. It’s important to get on to this ASAP so you don’t affect your holiday! This is very embarrassing, but I have what feels like a grape poking out my bottom end — I think it’s a pile. It’s bleeding when I use the toilet. Should I see the GP or can I just get a cream from the chemist? My GP is a young lady so I’d be a little embarrassed as I’m 62.

FIRSTLY don’t ever be embarrassed to share all of your medical concerns with a GP, we have seen it all before. We really don’t care.

Piles or haemorrhoids, while perhaps embarrassing to discuss, are simply varicose veins of the back passage.

They can be symptomless or can result in pain, discomfort, bleeding or itchiness.

If they bleed, the blood tends to be bright red and is passed after the stool, or might appear on toilet paper.

The lump you feel is most likely a haemorrhoid. You may be able to push this in if it pops out when you are passing a stool.

Haemorrhoids are incredibly common in patients as they get older. They are due to extra pressure in the back passage. This can be brought on by weight, coughing and sneezing, pregnancy, heavy lifting or persistent sitting.

You might also be more prone to this condition if you have a family history of piles.

You need to see your GP regardless of what I suspect is your correct diagnosis of piles. Rectal bleeding has a number of causes, so an examination is essential to rule out sinister causes like cancer.

The GP can look, make a diagnosis and prescribe you something. This is usually in cream and suppository form.

If you are constipated, you will require a stool softener. If the diagnosis is in doubt or it looks like it needs surgical management, you will be referred on. Don’t worry, more often than not piles are managed with a prescription so surgery is rarely necessary.