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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Extreme Pressure In Ears, Hearing Loss, Cold, Sinus Pressure. Tried Decongestants. Treatment?

After a flight 2 days ago, I am still experiencing extreme pressure in one if my ears and cannot hear very well. I have had a cold for a week, with a lot of sinus pressure and realize it was not ideal to be flying. I have tried decongestants and plugging my nose and blowing, but nothing is working. Should I see an ENT or will this eventually go away?
Fri, 25 Jan 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear...
The symptoms mentioned by you suggest that you might be having Otitic Barotrauma.
It occurs as a result of retraction of tympanic membrane(ear drum) due to in-equalization of pressure in the middle ear.
There is a tube (known as Eustachian Tube) between middle ear & nasopharynx which helps to maintain equalization of pressure.
When the tube does not function properly (such as blockage due to common cold) the pressure differences(specially when the aircraft descends) force the eardrum to retract, causing pain.
Management includes:
1. Antihistamines to provide symptomatic relief
2. Analgesics to relieve pain
3. Nasal decongestants to relieve obstruction of the tube.
It is a self limiting condition & usually gets resolved on its own
If symptoms still persist, it will be better to consult a ENT Specialist.
There is no need to worry...you will be fine.
Wish you a good health & speedy recovery.
Thanks & Take care.
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Extreme Pressure In Ears, Hearing Loss, Cold, Sinus Pressure. Tried Decongestants. Treatment?

Hello dear... The symptoms mentioned by you suggest that you might be having Otitic Barotrauma. It occurs as a result of retraction of tympanic membrane(ear drum) due to in-equalization of pressure in the middle ear. There is a tube (known as Eustachian Tube) between middle ear & nasopharynx which helps to maintain equalization of pressure. When the tube does not function properly (such as blockage due to common cold) the pressure differences(specially when the aircraft descends) force the eardrum to retract, causing pain. Management includes: 1. Antihistamines to provide symptomatic relief 2. Analgesics to relieve pain 3. Nasal decongestants to relieve obstruction of the tube. It is a self limiting condition & usually gets resolved on its own If symptoms still persist, it will be better to consult a ENT Specialist. There is no need to worry...you will be fine. Wish you a good health & speedy recovery. Thanks & Take care.