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What Causes Intermittent Muffled Hearing Along With Worsening Hearing And Body Balance?
Question: Dear Dr. Bhatti, I have been my own patient for nearly a year now. But
things are not improving yet. I am a late middle age white woman.
I am normal weighted and basically healthy. I do have chronic sinus
issues but Flonase keeps me OK and fairly dry. Occasionally, I may need to take antibiotics if my temp goes up and the sinuses get worse.
I am concerned today about my left ear. One minute I can hear fine but
the next minute, it reminds me of cotton in my ear. This muffled hearing
is lasting much longer plus my hearing is worsening even when I don’t
have that cotton in my ear feeling. Plus, my balance is getting worse.
I do not have pain nor anything coming out of my ear. I have thought it was excessive earwax but it was not, nor was it an ear infection. I believe it might be a healing eardrum puncture? But it’s been healing a long time
now. Pressure seems to effect it (movement). If I bend over, I can get the
cotton out feeling for a while or until I unbend which makes me believe it is the eustachian tubes. I have other tricks that briefly work such as chewing gum or sucking on candy. Yawning and breathe holding do not work. What does it sound like it could be? I do not like going to Drs. nor taking tests so I don’t. Do you know of any drops or medications that may help? If I must go for these, then I will.
Thank you for your time in advance,
XXXX
things are not improving yet. I am a late middle age white woman.
I am normal weighted and basically healthy. I do have chronic sinus
issues but Flonase keeps me OK and fairly dry. Occasionally, I may need to take antibiotics if my temp goes up and the sinuses get worse.
I am concerned today about my left ear. One minute I can hear fine but
the next minute, it reminds me of cotton in my ear. This muffled hearing
is lasting much longer plus my hearing is worsening even when I don’t
have that cotton in my ear feeling. Plus, my balance is getting worse.
I do not have pain nor anything coming out of my ear. I have thought it was excessive earwax but it was not, nor was it an ear infection. I believe it might be a healing eardrum puncture? But it’s been healing a long time
now. Pressure seems to effect it (movement). If I bend over, I can get the
cotton out feeling for a while or until I unbend which makes me believe it is the eustachian tubes. I have other tricks that briefly work such as chewing gum or sucking on candy. Yawning and breathe holding do not work. What does it sound like it could be? I do not like going to Drs. nor taking tests so I don’t. Do you know of any drops or medications that may help? If I must go for these, then I will.
Thank you for your time in advance,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. Rule out perforation / early Meniere's Disease.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
1. From your description, these symptoms are suggestive of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD).
2. Get a PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) and an Impedance Audiogram (Tympanogram) done when the ears are blocked and after it settles down.
3. A simple otoscopic or endoscopic ear drum examination will help rule out any ear drum perforation. CSOM (Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media) can lead to similar symptoms.
4. Early Meniere's Disease must also be ruled out. Meniere's disease is diagnosed on the following criteria:
a. Vertigo (imbalance)
b. Fluctuating hearing loss (hearing better one minute and then not)
c. Tinnitus
d. Fullness in the ear (muffled feeling like cotton stuffed in the ear)
There is usually nausea and vomiting, the hearing usually worsens during an attack and the tinnitus also worsens. Meniere's disease usually causes low frequency hearing loss initially (Audiogram sloping to left).
5. A one sided Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in adults should be investigated for any external pressure on the Eustachian Tube on that side.
6. The treatment of the above conditions differs hence you should get examined. Upload these test reports for accurate treatment advice.
7. You may use OTC nasal decongestant drops containing 0.1% Xylometazoline, 3-4 drops per nostril, twice a day; for not more than a week. Steam inhalation will also help if this is ETD. Other medications will require a prescription.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards,
Dr. Sumit Bhatti
ENT Specialist
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. Rule out perforation / early Meniere's Disease.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
1. From your description, these symptoms are suggestive of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD).
2. Get a PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) and an Impedance Audiogram (Tympanogram) done when the ears are blocked and after it settles down.
3. A simple otoscopic or endoscopic ear drum examination will help rule out any ear drum perforation. CSOM (Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media) can lead to similar symptoms.
4. Early Meniere's Disease must also be ruled out. Meniere's disease is diagnosed on the following criteria:
a. Vertigo (imbalance)
b. Fluctuating hearing loss (hearing better one minute and then not)
c. Tinnitus
d. Fullness in the ear (muffled feeling like cotton stuffed in the ear)
There is usually nausea and vomiting, the hearing usually worsens during an attack and the tinnitus also worsens. Meniere's disease usually causes low frequency hearing loss initially (Audiogram sloping to left).
5. A one sided Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in adults should be investigated for any external pressure on the Eustachian Tube on that side.
6. The treatment of the above conditions differs hence you should get examined. Upload these test reports for accurate treatment advice.
7. You may use OTC nasal decongestant drops containing 0.1% Xylometazoline, 3-4 drops per nostril, twice a day; for not more than a week. Steam inhalation will also help if this is ETD. Other medications will require a prescription.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards,
Dr. Sumit Bhatti
ENT Specialist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Dear Dr. Bhatti, It sounds like I have the eush. Tube trouble. How can I treat it on my own? What causes it? Will it eventually heal on its own? Thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Details as discussed below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
1. ETD is caused by many conditions, the most common being allergies, colds, sinusitis and so on.
2. ETD can heal on its own or with medication. You may use OTC nasal decongestant drops containing 0.1% Xylometazoline, 3-4 drops per nostril, twice a day; for not more than a week. Steam inhalation will also help if this is ETD. You can also try saline nasal washes. Other medications will require a prescription.
3. If there is no relief in two weeks get yourself examined and investigated. This will help in effective treatment.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards,
Dr. Sumit Bhatti
ENT Specialist
Details as discussed below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
1. ETD is caused by many conditions, the most common being allergies, colds, sinusitis and so on.
2. ETD can heal on its own or with medication. You may use OTC nasal decongestant drops containing 0.1% Xylometazoline, 3-4 drops per nostril, twice a day; for not more than a week. Steam inhalation will also help if this is ETD. You can also try saline nasal washes. Other medications will require a prescription.
3. If there is no relief in two weeks get yourself examined and investigated. This will help in effective treatment.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards,
Dr. Sumit Bhatti
ENT Specialist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Dear Dr. Bhatti,
1. My left ear is “plugged up” again. No other symptoms except hearing not good.
2. I take Flonase to keep my sinuses dry. Would you suggest Nasacort or Rhinocort would be better?
3. Also, are you suggesting that I use .1% xylometazoline in addition to my Flonase or in place of it for a week?
4. Is Eustachian tube problems with swelling and/or inflammation?
Thanks, XXXXXXX
1. My left ear is “plugged up” again. No other symptoms except hearing not good.
2. I take Flonase to keep my sinuses dry. Would you suggest Nasacort or Rhinocort would be better?
3. Also, are you suggesting that I use .1% xylometazoline in addition to my Flonase or in place of it for a week?
4. Is Eustachian tube problems with swelling and/or inflammation?
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Details as discussed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
1. Yes, use the 0.1% Xylometazoline nasal drops in addition to your nasal spray.
2. Any of these nasal sprays will do.
3. There can be many reasons besides swelling and inflammation for ETD.
4. The best option is to get examined and investigated for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards,
Dr. Sumit Bhatti
ENT Specialist
Details as discussed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
1. Yes, use the 0.1% Xylometazoline nasal drops in addition to your nasal spray.
2. Any of these nasal sprays will do.
3. There can be many reasons besides swelling and inflammation for ETD.
4. The best option is to get examined and investigated for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards,
Dr. Sumit Bhatti
ENT Specialist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you again Dr. Bhatti,
I appreciate and will take all your advice.
Two last questions:
1. When would I know when antibiotics are needed? I am assuming antibiotics are needed only if one has a temperature over 98.6.
2. If I have a viral infection of some sort, will I just have to wait it out, since there are no medicines for viral infections?
Thank you, XXXXXXX
I appreciate and will take all your advice.
Two last questions:
1. When would I know when antibiotics are needed? I am assuming antibiotics are needed only if one has a temperature over 98.6.
2. If I have a viral infection of some sort, will I just have to wait it out, since there are no medicines for viral infections?
Thank you, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Details as discussed below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for following up.
1. Yes, antibiotics will be required only if there is fever or severe infection. You can avoid antibiotics at present.
2. Viral infections are treated for symptoms and hence you may wait and watch for spontaneous resolution. Treatment for easing the discomfort and symptoms helps make a patient comfortable during recovery.
I hope that I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Sumit Bhatti
ENT Specialist
Details as discussed below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for following up.
1. Yes, antibiotics will be required only if there is fever or severe infection. You can avoid antibiotics at present.
2. Viral infections are treated for symptoms and hence you may wait and watch for spontaneous resolution. Treatment for easing the discomfort and symptoms helps make a patient comfortable during recovery.
I hope that I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Sumit Bhatti
ENT Specialist
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. Vaishalee Punj
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