Steroid Injections for Ear Congestion: Recovery Insights

Q: Steroid Injections for Ear Congestion: Recovery Insights

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

Recovery speed after intratympanic steroid injection for unexplained ear fullness?

In mid-January, I received a phone call and noticed that I couldn't hear clearly in my left ear.
However, after a hearing test, the results were normal.
Starting in February, I began experiencing tinnitus and dizziness, so I sought medical attention again.
During the subsequent hearing test, it was found that my hearing had significantly declined.
I took medication for Meniere's disease, but it was ineffective.
Later, I took vestibular nerve medication, which improved my dizziness, but the ear fullness and tinnitus have persisted until now.
Initially, I suspected I had sudden sensorineural hearing loss, but after consulting three or four doctors, none diagnosed me with that condition.
Oral steroids were ineffective, and yesterday I attempted intratympanic steroid injection, but I still don't feel much difference.
I would like to ask if it is normal for tinnitus and ear fullness to become more pronounced immediately after the injection (it returned to baseline after a night), and how soon can I expect to see results from the intratympanic steroid injection? Thank you, doctor.

Youyou, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/05/07

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 usually happens when there is a pre-existing perforation in the eardrum, often due to contaminated water or improper ear cleaning, leading to inflammation.
4) Meniere's disease.
All of the above conditions can be appropriately managed with medical treatment.
-> "Is it normal for tinnitus and a feeling of ear fullness to become more pronounced right after an injection?" Answer: This phenomenon is very common.
-> "How quickly can we expect to see results from intratympanic steroid injections?" Answer: This treatment is primarily used for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (most effective within two weeks of hearing loss, ideally within two months).
If it is to be used for other conditions, further discussion with the treating physician is recommended.
Wishing you peace and health.
Ministry of Health and Welfare Taichung Hospital.

Reply Date: 2022/05/07

More Info

Understanding the use of steroid injections for ear congestion and the recovery process can be quite complex, especially when dealing with symptoms like hearing loss, tinnitus (ear ringing), and a sensation of fullness in the ear. Your experience of fluctuating symptoms and the various treatments you've undergone highlight the challenges many patients face in managing ear-related issues.

Firstly, it's important to understand that steroid injections, particularly in the ear, are often used to reduce inflammation and swelling that can contribute to hearing loss and other auditory symptoms. When you receive a steroid injection in the ear, it is intended to deliver the medication directly to the affected area, potentially providing a more immediate effect compared to oral steroids. However, the response to such treatments can vary significantly among individuals.

Regarding your question about experiencing increased tinnitus and a feeling of ear fullness immediately after the injection, this can be a normal reaction. The introduction of medication into the ear can temporarily alter the pressure dynamics and fluid balance, which might exacerbate existing symptoms before any therapeutic effects are felt. It's not uncommon for patients to report a temporary worsening of symptoms following the injection, but many find that these symptoms improve as the medication begins to take effect.

As for the timeline for seeing results from an ear steroid injection, it can vary. Some patients may notice improvements within a few days, while for others, it might take a week or more. The effectiveness of the injection can depend on several factors, including the underlying cause of the symptoms, the severity of the condition, and individual patient factors such as overall health and response to treatment.

In your case, since you have already experienced a decline in hearing and persistent tinnitus, it is crucial to maintain close communication with your healthcare provider. They may recommend follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and assess the effectiveness of the injection. If you do not notice any improvement within a reasonable timeframe, further evaluation may be necessary to explore other potential underlying issues, such as eustachian tube dysfunction, Meniere's disease, or other auditory disorders.

Additionally, while you mentioned that oral steroids were ineffective for you, it's worth noting that the response to treatment can differ between oral and injectable forms. If you continue to experience significant symptoms, your doctor may consider alternative treatments or additional diagnostic tests to better understand your condition.

In summary, experiencing increased tinnitus and ear fullness after a steroid injection can be a normal reaction, and it may take some time to see the full effects of the treatment. It is essential to keep your healthcare provider informed about your symptoms and any changes you experience. They can guide you on the next steps and help ensure that you receive the most appropriate care for your situation. Remember, managing ear conditions often requires a comprehensive approach, including medication, lifestyle adjustments, and possibly further diagnostic evaluations.

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