Chronic Throat Discomfort and Hearing Issues: A Comprehensive Guide

Sore throat and decreased hearing in the ears?

Hello Dr.
Yeh,
I have been suffering from throat discomfort for about a year and a few months.
During this time, I have seen doctors who mostly diagnosed me with chronic pharyngitis, and some suggested that it could be stress-related or a stress syndrome.
The main discomfort I feel is a sensation of a foreign body in my throat, along with a tight feeling, which becomes more pronounced when I am anxious or under stress.
When I catch a cold, the discomfort worsens.

I have had an allergic constitution since childhood, making me prone to colds, and my throat has always been problematic.
Before this throat discomfort began, I had multiple colds without fully recovering, and I have persistent cough symptoms (though not severe).
My throat does not hurt, but it feels as if something is stuck in it, like an egg.
Coincidentally, since then, whenever I catch a cold, I experience echoing sounds and a sensation of double sounds in my ears, along with a feeling of diminished volume.
The doctor explained this as a blockage in the Eustachian tube or throat passage.
Sometimes, I also feel twitching sensations, which seem to occur more often when I use cotton swabs excessively in my ears.
Is this an issue with the Eustachian tube, or is it related to pharyngitis? Or is it just general inflammation?
Could the long-term fluctuation in my condition affect my hearing? What are the medical treatment options? Will I need long-term treatment? After all, this has been going on for quite a while.

Please provide me with a response at your earliest convenience.
Thank you.

Yao Zhe'en
01/16 15:57

Yao Zhe'en, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/01/16

Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology

Mr.
Yao, using cotton swabs to clean your ears can cause a sensation of twitching.
This may indicate an issue with the Eustachian tube.
Prolonged fluctuations in this condition can affect your hearing.
Regular and long-term outpatient treatment is necessary.

Reply Date: 2004/01/16

More Info

Hello, Yao Zhe-En,
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your chronic throat discomfort and associated hearing issues. It sounds like you have been experiencing a complex interplay of symptoms that can be quite distressing. Let's break down your situation and explore potential causes, implications, and treatment options.

Understanding Your Symptoms
From your description, it seems that you are dealing with chronic pharyngitis, which is often characterized by a persistent sensation of a foreign body in the throat, tightness, and discomfort, particularly during periods of stress or illness. This condition can be exacerbated by allergies, frequent respiratory infections, and environmental irritants. Given your history of allergies and recurrent colds, it is plausible that these factors contribute to your ongoing throat issues.

The sensation of having something stuck in your throat, often referred to as "globus sensation," can be linked to several factors, including:
1. Chronic Inflammation: Persistent inflammation in the throat can lead to heightened sensitivity and the sensation of tightness or discomfort.

2. Stress and Anxiety: Psychological factors can manifest physically, leading to muscle tension in the throat and exacerbating the feeling of discomfort.

3. Postnasal Drip: Allergies or sinus issues can lead to mucus dripping down the back of the throat, causing irritation and discomfort.

4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux can irritate the throat and lead to similar sensations.

Connection to Hearing Issues
The auditory symptoms you describe, such as echoing sounds, a feeling of muffled hearing, and the sensation of double sounds, may indeed be related to Eustachian tube dysfunction. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and helps equalize pressure. If this tube is not functioning properly, it can lead to a feeling of fullness in the ear, muffled hearing, and even tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Potential Impact on Hearing
Chronic throat issues, particularly if they are related to Eustachian tube dysfunction, can potentially affect hearing over time. If the Eustachian tube remains blocked or dysfunctional, it can lead to fluid accumulation in the middle ear, which may cause conductive hearing loss. However, if your hearing tests have shown normal results, it is a positive sign that significant hearing loss has not yet occurred.

Treatment Options
1. Medical Management: Since you have been diagnosed with chronic pharyngitis, treatment may include:
- Antihistamines: To manage allergy symptoms and reduce postnasal drip.

- Nasal corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes.

- Gastrointestinal medications: If GERD is suspected, medications to reduce stomach acid may be beneficial.

2. Lifestyle Modifications:
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated can help soothe the throat.

- Humidification: Using a humidifier can alleviate dryness in the air, which may help with throat discomfort.

- Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or therapy may help reduce stress-related symptoms.

3. Regular Follow-Up: Given the chronic nature of your symptoms, regular follow-up with an ENT specialist is advisable. They may recommend further evaluations, such as laryngoscopy, to assess the throat and rule out any other underlying conditions.

4. Allergy Management: Since you have a history of allergies, working with an allergist to identify and manage triggers may also be beneficial.

Conclusion
Chronic throat discomfort and associated hearing issues can significantly impact your quality of life. While it is essential to address the underlying causes, it is equally important to manage symptoms effectively. Regular consultations with healthcare professionals, including an ENT specialist and possibly an allergist, will be crucial in developing a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.

I hope this information provides clarity and guidance as you navigate your health concerns. Please feel free to reach out for further questions or clarifications.

Best wishes for your health and well-being.

Similar Q&A

Chronic Throat Inflammation and Oral Ulcers: What You Need to Know

I have been suffering from throat inflammation and throat ulcers for three months. It all started one night with ear pain, tinnitus, and pain in the left side of my throat. The next day, I went to a clinic, and the doctor diagnosed me with otitis media. He prescribed some antibio...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Initially, it appears to be inflammation of the lymphoid tissue in the posterior pharyngeal wall. If a physician has already examined you and diagnosed you with chronic pharyngitis, it is advisable to drink plenty of water, reduce coffee, tea, and sugary foods, and avoid s...

Understanding Throat Pain and Hearing Changes: ENT Insights

I have been experiencing a sore throat for the past few days, along with coughing and wheezing. Initially, I thought it was due to tachycardia, but every time I cough or wheeze, I also experience dry heaving, whether I'm sitting still or moving around. I can't recall ex...

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Based on your description, you have recently experienced symptoms of sore throat, cough, wheezing, and auditory disturbances. These symptoms may be related to various factors, including a cold, throat infection, respiratory issues, or other medical conditions. Here are some recom...

Persistent Throat Discomfort: Understanding ENT Symptoms and Solutions

I have been experiencing discomfort in my throat for over a month. Initially, it felt like there was something foreign in my throat without any other symptoms. Then it progressed to occasional pain, white phlegm, and post-nasal drip. Now, I wake up in the morning with green phleg...

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello Mr. Tsai, The situation you described may be indicative of chronic pharyngitis (especially if you are experiencing a sensation of a foreign body in your throat). It is recommended that you undergo a laryngoscopy to rule out any masses, as well as receive pharmacological t...

Persistent Throat Discomfort and Vision Issues: A Neurological Perspective

Hello, doctor. My family member is experiencing significant discomfort, so I would like to inquire about your professional knowledge. My family member has had a persistent sensation of a foreign body in the throat for a long time, and when eating, a small piece feels stuck in the...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: I see that your family has undergone numerous examinations. I would like to suggest a principle to follow, which is the concept of "local healthcare." As we age and experience various symptoms, the recommended approach is to find a nearby hospital with an emergen...