Ear Noises and Digestive Issues: When to Seek Medical Help - Otolaryngology

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Hello YuHuai,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the sounds in your ear and your digestive issues. It sounds like you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that could be related to both your auditory and gastrointestinal systems. Let’s break down your symptoms and discuss when it might be appropriate to seek further medical help.


Ear Symptoms
You mentioned hearing a "popping" or "buzzing" sound in your left ear when using your phone, which seems to increase in volume with the other person's voice. This could potentially be related to several factors:
1. Earwax Buildup: Excessive earwax can block the ear canal, leading to muffled hearing and unusual sounds. If you suspect this might be the case, a visit to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for ear cleaning could be beneficial.

2. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: The Eustachian tube helps equalize pressure in the ear. If it is not functioning properly, you may experience sounds like popping or crackling, especially when there are changes in pressure, such as when using a phone close to your ear.

3. Tinnitus: The sounds you describe could also be a form of tinnitus, which is often characterized by ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ear that are not caused by external sounds. Tinnitus can be associated with hearing loss, ear infections, or other underlying conditions.

Given that you are also experiencing dizziness, it would be wise to consult an ENT specialist. They can perform a thorough examination, including hearing tests and possibly imaging studies, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.


Digestive Symptoms
Regarding your gastrointestinal issues, it’s concerning that you have been experiencing persistent vomiting and discomfort for an extended period. You mentioned having a gastroscopy that revealed gastritis, and despite treatment, your symptoms have not improved. Here are some considerations:
1. Chronic Gastritis: This condition can be caused by various factors, including infection (like H. pylori), prolonged use of NSAIDs, or excessive alcohol consumption. If your symptoms persist despite treatment, it may be necessary to revisit your gastroenterologist for further evaluation.

2. Dietary Factors: Since you mentioned that you can only tolerate bland foods, it may be helpful to keep a food diary to identify any specific triggers that exacerbate your symptoms.
3. Other Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions such as gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), peptic ulcers, or even food intolerances could contribute to your symptoms. If your current treatment plan is not effective, further diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies or additional endoscopic evaluations, may be warranted.


When to Seek Medical Help
Given the combination of your ear and gastrointestinal symptoms, it would be prudent to seek medical attention sooner rather than later. Here are some signs that indicate you should seek immediate help:
- Severe Dizziness or Balance Issues: If you experience significant dizziness that affects your ability to function.

- Persistent Vomiting: If you are unable to keep any food or fluids down, or if you experience signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth, dizziness, or decreased urination).

- New or Worsening Symptoms: If you notice any new symptoms or if your current symptoms worsen significantly.

In conclusion, while some of your symptoms may be manageable with lifestyle changes and home remedies, the persistence and combination of your ear and digestive issues suggest that a comprehensive evaluation by healthcare professionals is warranted. Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion or further testing if you feel your concerns are not being adequately addressed. Your health is important, and getting to the root of these issues will help improve your quality of life.

Wishing you all the best for your health and recovery.