Hearing Issues: Tinnitus and Ear Discomfort Explained

Q: Hearing Issues: Tinnitus and Ear Discomfort Explained

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： This has

Hearing problems

Hello, Dr.
Chi.
The day before yesterday, I stayed in a store for about an hour, and the ambient noise inside was a very high-frequency sound that made me feel a bit dizzy.
After I came out, I experienced tinnitus in my right ear, and sounds seemed muffled, with a slight numbness in the entire right ear, while my left ear felt normal.
When I got home and used a cotton swab, I noticed that my right ear felt swollen inside, but there was no pain or discharge.
I would like to know what might be causing this and whether I should visit a general clinic or go to a larger hospital.

Hao Yu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/04/10

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: This has a significant probability and has a critical treatment window, requiring early diagnosis.
3) Otitis media: a) Acute otitis media: Often occurs alongside upper respiratory infections (such as colds) and sinusitis, and in severe cases, there may be ear discharge.
b) Chronic otitis media with acute exacerbation: This usually occurs when there is a pre-existing perforation in the eardrum, which can become inflamed due to contaminated water or improper ear cleaning.

All of the above conditions can be appropriately managed with medication through medical consultation.
If you have already undergone pure tone audiometry (which requires headphones in a soundproof room, where sounds prompt you to press 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 recommended to visit a hospital for evaluation to rule out sudden hearing loss.
The golden treatment period for sudden sensorineural hearing loss is two weeks, and early treatment yields better outcomes.
Wishing you safety and health.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Chi Chao-Yun
Director, Department of Otolaryngology, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2022/04/10

More Info

Hello! It sounds like you're experiencing a concerning set of symptoms related to your hearing and ear discomfort. Based on your description, it appears that you may be dealing with a combination of tinnitus (the ringing or buzzing sound in your ear) and possibly some form of ear congestion or dysfunction.
Tinnitus can often be triggered by exposure to loud noises, which seems to be the case for you after spending time in an environment with high-frequency sounds. This exposure can lead to temporary changes in hearing, such as the muffled sensation you described, as well as feelings of fullness or pressure in the ear. The fact that you also experienced dizziness suggests that your inner ear, which plays a crucial role in balance, may have been affected as well.

The sensation of your right ear feeling "swollen" could indicate several possibilities. It might be due to fluid buildup in the middle ear, which can occur after exposure to loud sounds or due to allergies. Another possibility is Eustachian tube dysfunction, where the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat does not open properly, leading to pressure changes and discomfort.
Given that your symptoms have persisted, it is advisable to seek medical attention. While visiting a general clinic might be sufficient for an initial evaluation, I would recommend going to an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist or a larger hospital if possible. An ENT specialist can perform a thorough examination, including a hearing test, to determine the exact cause of your symptoms. They can also assess for any underlying conditions, such as earwax buildup, infections, or other issues that might require specific treatment.

In the meantime, here are a few tips to help manage your symptoms:
1. Avoid Loud Noises: Try to stay away from environments with loud sounds, as this can exacerbate tinnitus and ear discomfort.

2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin mucus and promote better Eustachian tube function.

3. Ear Protection: If you find yourself in a loud environment again, consider using earplugs to protect your ears from further damage.

4. Avoid Ear Cleaning Tools: Using cotton swabs or other tools to clean your ears can sometimes push wax further in or irritate the ear canal. It's best to let a professional handle ear cleaning if necessary.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, including the duration and intensity of the tinnitus and any additional discomfort.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may resolve on their own, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any serious conditions and to receive appropriate care. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, especially in cases involving hearing issues. Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!

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