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What Causes A Dripping Sound In The Ear?

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Posted on Wed, 18 Jan 2017
Question: I have this annoying dripping sound in my left ear for the past few days. What could it be?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Need some information from you in order to accurately find cause sir,thanks

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. If you do not mind me asking you a few more questions for clarity, it would greatly help sir.

1. Do you have any pain in your jaw?
2. Does your jaw get locked?
3. Pain or difficulty while chewing your food?
4. Do you have any difficulty in opening or closing your mouth?
5. Could you place one finger inside your ear while the dripping sound occurs and check to see if it disappears?
6. Have you been diagnosed with any chronic conditions (e.g. arthritis)?
7. History of ear infections?
8. The next time the sound starts try to yawn deep and hard and let me know if it stops

I look forward to hearing from you in order to help you sir.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (3 hours later)
No jaw pain. No locking jaw. No difficulty chewing. No difficulty opening and closing my mouth. Yes, it does seem to stop when i place my finger in the ear. No i have not been diagnosed with any chronic conditions. No history of ear infections. It does seem to stop when yawn but only for a few seconds. I
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
?? Seems like an issue with the tensor tympani muscle to me

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again sir.

If it does seem to stop when you place your finger in the ear or yawn then this could possibly be an issue with a muscle called the tensor tympani. An ENT doctor will have to view the region and provide a more elaborate insight and solution for your issue.

Your ENT doctor's approach will depend on the exact cause and how he chooses to deal with it. But for now, it does seem like an issue with the muscle and at least we have found the source of our problem.

Please do schedule an ENT examination at your earliest convenience. I hope you find relief at the earliest, please do not hesitate to write to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (10 hours later)
Is it something that will clear up on its own? Or is there something I can do myself as I am unable to see a doctor presently .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Unfortunately not a self-resolving condition sir

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again sir.

From my experience, it is not a self-resolving condition. In majority of cases, medical attention is mandatory and I would recommend the same for you sir.

If you cannot reach an ENT at present, sadly you may have to endure it for that duration. Try to apply vicks on cotton balls and place them in your ears, that may help some times. Also try to yawn deep and hard, that helps in most cases to help the noise from subsiding for a longer duration that can help you to sleep.

I hope and pray you find relief at the earliest. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.
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. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

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What Causes A Dripping Sound In The Ear?

Brief Answer: Need some information from you in order to accurately find cause sir,thanks Detailed Answer: Hello sir and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. If you do not mind me asking you a few more questions for clarity, it would greatly help sir. 1. Do you have any pain in your jaw? 2. Does your jaw get locked? 3. Pain or difficulty while chewing your food? 4. Do you have any difficulty in opening or closing your mouth? 5. Could you place one finger inside your ear while the dripping sound occurs and check to see if it disappears? 6. Have you been diagnosed with any chronic conditions (e.g. arthritis)? 7. History of ear infections? 8. The next time the sound starts try to yawn deep and hard and let me know if it stops I look forward to hearing from you in order to help you sir. Best wishes.