Ear Discomfort: Common Issues and When to Seek Help

For several years, I have experienced a muffled sound in my left ear, and in the past few days, my right ear has been painful due to wearing headphones?

Hello, doctor.
I have two questions I would like to ask.

The first question is that my left ear feels muffled, so the volume I hear in my left and right ears is not the same.
This condition has lasted for over two years.
Since it hasn't reached the point of complete hearing loss, I haven't addressed it until now.
Sometimes, when I turn my head while sleeping, I hear a sound like something is falling inside my ear.
I wonder if this could be due to earwax.
A year ago, I visited a clinic due to a cold and asked the doctor to check my ears for earwax or foreign objects, but the doctor said there was none.
I also have a history of nasal allergies, and I'm not sure if that could be affecting my ears.
Could you please help clarify this? Thank you.
The second question is that yesterday, while using in-ear headphones to listen to music, I accidentally inserted the plastic ear tips too deeply, filling my entire ear canal.
As a result, today I feel pain when pressing on the bone near the eardrum, and the upper part of my ear canal is also tender to touch.
I would like to know how to alleviate this pain, and whether I should visit a general otolaryngologist or go directly to a larger hospital for a more comprehensive diagnosis regarding these two issues.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/29

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello,
1.
The left ear has a muffled sound and varying volume, which may commonly be due to earwax blockage, middle ear effusion, or Eustachian tube dysfunction.
If this condition has persisted for over two years, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngology clinic for an examination.
2.
It is likely an outer ear canal inflammation.
It is recommended to temporarily avoid using earplugs, as most cases will improve naturally.
However, if the pain persists, you may also consider visiting a clinic for examination and medication treatment.
Wishing you safety and good health,
Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare,
Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi

Reply Date: 2018/09/29

More Info

When it comes to ear discomfort, understanding the underlying issues and knowing when to seek help is crucial for maintaining ear health. Your situation involves two distinct concerns: persistent muffled hearing in your left ear and pain after using in-ear headphones. Let's address each of these issues in detail.

Muffled Hearing in the Left Ear
The sensation of muffled hearing, particularly when it has persisted for over two years, can be indicative of several potential issues. One common cause is Eustachian tube dysfunction, which can occur when the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose becomes blocked or fails to open properly. This can lead to a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, as well as differences in sound perception between the ears. Allergies, such as those you mentioned, can exacerbate this condition by causing inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages, which may affect the Eustachian tube's function.

Another possibility is the presence of fluid in the middle ear, which can occur even in the absence of an ear infection. This fluid can create a sensation of fullness and muffled hearing. Although you mentioned that a doctor checked for earwax and found none, it might be worthwhile to have a more thorough examination, possibly including tympanometry, which assesses the movement of the eardrum and can help identify fluid presence.

Pain After Using In-Ear Headphones
Regarding the discomfort you experienced after using in-ear headphones, it’s essential to be cautious with how deeply earplugs or earbuds are inserted. Inserting them too deeply can irritate the ear canal and even cause trauma to the delicate structures within the ear. The pain you feel when pressing on the area around the ear could be a sign of inflammation or irritation of the ear canal, known as external otitis or swimmer's ear, which can occur from excessive moisture or irritation.

To alleviate the pain, you can try the following:
1. Avoid Further Irritation: Refrain from using in-ear headphones until the pain subsides. Opt for over-ear headphones if you need to listen to music.

2. Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can help reduce pain and inflammation.

3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.

4. Consult a Specialist: If the pain persists or worsens, it would be wise to consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can perform a thorough examination and may recommend treatments such as ear drops or other interventions.

When to Seek Help
Given the duration of your muffled hearing and the recent pain from headphone use, it is advisable to seek medical attention. An ENT specialist can provide a comprehensive evaluation, including hearing tests and imaging if necessary, to determine the root cause of your symptoms. If you have allergies, managing them may also help alleviate some of the ear discomfort.

In summary, while some ear issues may resolve on their own, persistent symptoms like muffled hearing and pain warrant professional evaluation. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve your quality of life. If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

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