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Hi I Have A High-pitched Sound Coming Out Of My
Question: Hi
I have a high-pitched sound coming out of my ear when I open my mouth to the extreme and I particularly notice it while chewing, yawning and brushing my teeth. I also have some fullness when my jaw is still and when I move my head sideways in one direction. These symptoms have now been troubling me for about 11 months. I have previously seen an ENT doctor who thought there was mucus lodged in the eustachian tube but surely it should have cleared by now. What could be causing it and how can it be treated please?
I have a high-pitched sound coming out of my ear when I open my mouth to the extreme and I particularly notice it while chewing, yawning and brushing my teeth. I also have some fullness when my jaw is still and when I move my head sideways in one direction. These symptoms have now been troubling me for about 11 months. I have previously seen an ENT doctor who thought there was mucus lodged in the eustachian tube but surely it should have cleared by now. What could be causing it and how can it be treated please?
Brief Answer:
Symptoms reveal that the problem is not resolved
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using "Ask a doctor" service.
I read your query and I understand your concern. From what you are describing seems surely there is a blockage in the middle ear. The blockage most of the time comes due to blockage of the eustachian tube.
If the mucus would have been resolved or not within those 11 months depends on a lot of factors but mostly depends on the fact of how good the eustachian tube has been kept open so the fluid/mucus would have been drained into the throat. Apparently, that was not enough in your case.
The treatment is drinking a lot of water so you are well hydrated and the mucus becomes automatically thinner.
Also performing the Valsalva maneuver helps. You can see videos on youtube of how to do that.
Basically, everything that helps either the mucus/fluid drain or that makes the mucosa of the upper airways thinner.
If you are thinking about using decongestants, paradoxically they have proven not to be helpful.
At last, if the above does not help surgical management can be suggested- includes tympanostomy tube insertion, cartilage grafting, intraluminal catheter placement, and complete occlusion of the Eustachian tube.
I hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards,
Dr. Klarida Papaqako
General and family physician
Symptoms reveal that the problem is not resolved
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using "Ask a doctor" service.
I read your query and I understand your concern. From what you are describing seems surely there is a blockage in the middle ear. The blockage most of the time comes due to blockage of the eustachian tube.
If the mucus would have been resolved or not within those 11 months depends on a lot of factors but mostly depends on the fact of how good the eustachian tube has been kept open so the fluid/mucus would have been drained into the throat. Apparently, that was not enough in your case.
The treatment is drinking a lot of water so you are well hydrated and the mucus becomes automatically thinner.
Also performing the Valsalva maneuver helps. You can see videos on youtube of how to do that.
Basically, everything that helps either the mucus/fluid drain or that makes the mucosa of the upper airways thinner.
If you are thinking about using decongestants, paradoxically they have proven not to be helpful.
At last, if the above does not help surgical management can be suggested- includes tympanostomy tube insertion, cartilage grafting, intraluminal catheter placement, and complete occlusion of the Eustachian tube.
I hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards,
Dr. Klarida Papaqako
General and family physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
I will try as you suggested but is it normal for these symptoms of fullness in the ear while the jaw is still and a high-pitched sound when I chew or yawn for almost a year? Many thanks.
Brief Answer:
Yes that happens due to fluid movement around the sound bones in middle ear
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up question.
Yes it is normal. It happenes due to movement of the fluid in the ear when you chew or move the jaw. The movement stimulates the bones that create the sound. And as long as there is fluid there, then that long that sound will be there.
I hope this has answered your question. Let me know if you have other questions or concerns.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Yes that happens due to fluid movement around the sound bones in middle ear
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up question.
Yes it is normal. It happenes due to movement of the fluid in the ear when you chew or move the jaw. The movement stimulates the bones that create the sound. And as long as there is fluid there, then that long that sound will be there.
I hope this has answered your question. Let me know if you have other questions or concerns.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
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. Prasad
Answered by
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