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How Can Fluid Behind My Eardrum Be Treated?
Question: I am 46 years old, 5'3" tall, 195 lbs. I have hypthyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome, asthma and allergies, sinus problems, am bipolar, have insomnia, hypoglycemia and a history of c diff. A little over two weeks ago I woke up one morning with my right ear feeling full and pretty much plugged. At times there is a high pitched ringing in the ear, at others a low hum as a generator would cause. I have no pain, no discharge. I saw my family doctor, and he said I had fluid behind my eardrum, but no sign of infection. He had me do 4 days of prednisone, use nasal spray, use a decongestant, an antihistamine, and Singulair. Nothing has worked. My doctor said it was eustachian tube dysfunction. I'm supposed to see an ENT on Friday. I am worried this will never go away. I can hear my voice in my head when I talk and it's driving me nuts. I do feel a little better than I did two weeks ago, but the ringing/roaring is still there. Can you offer advice?
Dear Candacebthomas,
Thank you for your query.
1. Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) also known as Serous Otitis Media (SOM) is more common in children because their Eustachian Tube anatomy is different from that of an adult.
2. If you did not have any endoscopy may help.)
3. Your allergy and sinus problems may be associated with this condition. Your other current co-existing conditions and medication are mostly not related, except for sudafed. Sudafed can cause dependence and rebound congestion. Singulair and Mucinex should relieve symptoms.
4. An Impedance Audiogram (I/A) will pick up any build up of fluid behind the eardrum (Type 'B' Tympanogram). A PTA (Pure Tone AUdiogram will pick up the conductive hearing loss associated with your hearing your own voice while talking and the tinnitus (Ringing/ hum in the ear). When this ear heals, these problems should disappear.
5. The first line of treatment after confirming that there is no sensorineural hearing loss is conservative anti-allergic, anti-leukotriene, oral and topical decongestants, mucolytics and steam inhalation. If there are signs of infection, antibiotics and anti inflammatory medication may be added. Your detailed ear examination is important. It may show fluid levels, air bubbles, dullness, tympanosclerois and decreased eardrum movement on Vasalva Maneuver.
6. If this fluid does not reduce or if this persists for may weeks, it tends to dry and develop the consistency of 'glue'. Then it may be necessary to do a myringotomy and grommet (ventilation tube) insertion. You may have to repeat the I/A at intervals. It is a simple and objective test.
7. This is not a serious problem and can be treated easily. Many people are restless and disturbed by a blocked ear. If your tests are in order, this will be temporary.
Hope I have answered your query. You may need to fill in the latest information. If you have any follow up queries I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Thank you for your query.
1. Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) also known as Serous Otitis Media (SOM) is more common in children because their Eustachian Tube anatomy is different from that of an adult.
2. If you did not have any endoscopy may help.)
3. Your allergy and sinus problems may be associated with this condition. Your other current co-existing conditions and medication are mostly not related, except for sudafed. Sudafed can cause dependence and rebound congestion. Singulair and Mucinex should relieve symptoms.
4. An Impedance Audiogram (I/A) will pick up any build up of fluid behind the eardrum (Type 'B' Tympanogram). A PTA (Pure Tone AUdiogram will pick up the conductive hearing loss associated with your hearing your own voice while talking and the tinnitus (Ringing/ hum in the ear). When this ear heals, these problems should disappear.
5. The first line of treatment after confirming that there is no sensorineural hearing loss is conservative anti-allergic, anti-leukotriene, oral and topical decongestants, mucolytics and steam inhalation. If there are signs of infection, antibiotics and anti inflammatory medication may be added. Your detailed ear examination is important. It may show fluid levels, air bubbles, dullness, tympanosclerois and decreased eardrum movement on Vasalva Maneuver.
6. If this fluid does not reduce or if this persists for may weeks, it tends to dry and develop the consistency of 'glue'. Then it may be necessary to do a myringotomy and grommet (ventilation tube) insertion. You may have to repeat the I/A at intervals. It is a simple and objective test.
7. This is not a serious problem and can be treated easily. Many people are restless and disturbed by a blocked ear. If your tests are in order, this will be temporary.
Hope I have answered your query. You may need to fill in the latest information. If you have any follow up queries I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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