Persistent Ear Congestion After Treatment: Is It Normal?

Q: Persistent Ear Congestion After Treatment: Is It Normal?

Hello, the issues you mentioned could be due to： 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction： This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over. <br>2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. <br>3) O

The day after the medical consultation, there is still a feeling of blockage?

Last Friday, after cleaning my ears, I experienced hearing loss, tinnitus, a feeling of fullness, and pain in my left ear by Sunday (similar to sensations when sneezing or burping).
Initially, I thought I had injured my eardrum.
After visiting the doctor on Tuesday, I was informed that the hearing loss was due to blockage from secretions.
After the blockage was cleared, I was instructed to use Terbinafine ear drops twice daily, morning and evening.
During my follow-up appointment a week later, although the feeling of fullness was not as severe as before the treatment, I still felt somewhat uncomfortable.
I have been using the ear drops as directed.
Is it normal for the feeling of fullness to persist the day after using the drops? If one ear has issues, does that indicate that the other ear might soon have problems as well?

Lan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/21

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello, the issues you mentioned could be due to: 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over.
2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
3) Otitis media: a) Acute otitis media: Often occurs alongside upper respiratory infections (like colds) and sinusitis, and in severe cases, there may be ear discharge.
b) Chronic otitis media with acute exacerbation: This often occurs when there is a pre-existing perforation in the eardrum, which can become inflamed due to unclean water or improper ear cleaning.
All of the above conditions can be appropriately treated with medication from a healthcare provider.
If you have already undergone pure tone audiometry (which requires headphones in a soundproof booth, where sounds are presented and you respond by pressing a button, rather than just using a tuning fork), and it has been confirmed that you do not have sudden sensorineural hearing loss, then medication may suffice.
However, if you have not had a pure tone audiometry test, it is advisable to visit a hospital for evaluation to rule out sudden hearing loss.
The golden period for treating sudden sensorineural hearing loss is within two weeks, and early treatment yields better outcomes.
Wishing you safety and good health.

Reply Date: 2021/10/21

More Info

Experiencing persistent ear congestion after treatment can be concerning, especially when you have already sought medical attention and followed prescribed treatments. Based on your description, it seems that you initially experienced symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), a feeling of fullness or blockage, and pain after cleaning your ear. The doctor diagnosed you with blockage due to secretions and prescribed ear drops (likely a combination of medication to reduce inflammation and treat any potential infection).

It is not uncommon to still feel some degree of ear congestion even after treatment has started. Several factors can contribute to this sensation:
1. Residual Fluid: After treatment, it may take some time for any residual fluid or secretions to fully clear from the ear canal. This can lead to a lingering feeling of fullness or pressure.

2. Inflammation: If there was any inflammation in the ear canal or middle ear, it may take time for the swelling to subside, which can also contribute to the sensation of blockage.

3. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: The Eustachian tube helps equalize pressure in the middle ear. If it is not functioning properly, it can lead to feelings of fullness or pressure, even after the initial cause has been treated.

4. Ear Drops: Sometimes, the medication itself can cause a sensation of fullness if it does not drain completely or if it interacts with any existing secretions.

5. Healing Process: The ear is a sensitive area, and healing can take time. As the tissues heal, you may experience varying sensations, including congestion.

Regarding your concern about whether the other ear might also develop issues, it is not necessarily the case that one ear's problems will lead to similar issues in the other ear. However, if you have a tendency to have ear problems or if there are underlying conditions (like allergies or sinus issues), it is possible for both ears to be affected over time.

Recommendations:
- Follow-Up: Since you have a follow-up appointment in a week, it is advisable to keep that appointment. If your symptoms worsen or if you experience new symptoms (such as severe pain, fever, or discharge), you should seek medical attention sooner.

- Medication Adherence: Continue to use the ear drops as prescribed. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully, allowing the medication to remain in the ear for the recommended time before draining it out.

- Avoid Further Irritation: Try to avoid inserting anything into your ear, including cotton swabs, as this can exacerbate the problem or push secretions further into the ear canal.

- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, noting any changes in the level of congestion, pain, or hearing. This information can be helpful for your doctor during your next visit.

- Consider Allergies or Sinus Issues: If you have a history of allergies or sinus problems, addressing those may also help alleviate ear congestion.

In conclusion, while it is not uncommon to experience some lingering congestion after treatment, it is essential to monitor your symptoms and maintain communication with your healthcare provider. They can provide the best guidance tailored to your specific situation and ensure that any underlying issues are addressed effectively.

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