HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Blocked Ear Post Viral Infection

default
Posted on Mon, 1 Aug 2016
Question: Hi i have a problem with my left ear.
Last week i had a nasty virus and my left ear became completely blocked. As the virus has cleared and my ear started to clear its left me with a low humming noise inside the ear. I can describe it as a car engine. Everytime I move my head the noise stops and then comes straight back. This noise is driving me crazy. Ive had the noise for 5 days now it has come and gone at times but its been constant for the last 48 hours. Do you know how long this can take to go?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Should go in 2 to 3 days

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir

Thanks for asking to healthcaremagic

I have gone through your query

What you have is referred to as subjective tinnitus(phantom noise),which may occur following Respiratory tract infection,impacted cerumen(wax in ear canal) irritating the tympanic membrane.

The noise usually is self limited and should resolve in 7 to 10 days.But if it's there for more than 10 days,you may need to get medical attention..

Until then, use masking agents like listening music with earphones,prefer loud environment,compose yourself that this is benign and avoid stress related to that..

A short term course of antidepressants like nortryptilline,escitalopram at bedtime can be tried which helps in sleep related problems due to noise under doctor's supervision

Hope this helps..

Further queries are welcome.

Take care
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. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 407 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Blocked Ear Post Viral Infection

Brief Answer: Should go in 2 to 3 days Detailed Answer: Hello Sir Thanks for asking to healthcaremagic I have gone through your query What you have is referred to as subjective tinnitus(phantom noise),which may occur following Respiratory tract infection,impacted cerumen(wax in ear canal) irritating the tympanic membrane. The noise usually is self limited and should resolve in 7 to 10 days.But if it's there for more than 10 days,you may need to get medical attention.. Until then, use masking agents like listening music with earphones,prefer loud environment,compose yourself that this is benign and avoid stress related to that.. A short term course of antidepressants like nortryptilline,escitalopram at bedtime can be tried which helps in sleep related problems due to noise under doctor's supervision Hope this helps.. Further queries are welcome. Take care