Tonsillitis Aftermath: Voice Loss and Ear Ringing Concerns

Q: Tonsillitis Aftermath: Voice Loss and Ear Ringing Concerns

Hello, the tinnitus issue in your left ear may 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.

Complications of tonsillitis?

Recently, after testing positive for COVID-19, I developed tonsillitis.
Initially, I saw a doctor and took medication for three days, but it didn't seem to help much.
I then switched to another clinic, but the medication still didn't seem effective.
Eventually, I lost my voice entirely and took medication for another three to four days.
I finally went to the Veterans General Hospital, where I was prescribed antibiotics and other medications.
It took almost a week for my voice to gradually return, but I noticed that one of my tonsils had become misshapen.
I asked the doctor about it, and he inquired if I was concerned about its appearance.
I was more worried about potential long-term effects, so I replied that it was okay.
However, several months later, the shape has still not returned to normal.
Is this normal? During this time, I also experienced tinnitus in my left ear.
I had my hearing checked at the hospital, and it was normal.
As of now, the tinnitus in my left ear persists, but I can hardly hear it in daily life unless I insert my finger into my ear.
Is there a connection between tinnitus and the tonsils? Thank you, doctor!

DANDY, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/31

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello, the tinnitus issue in your left ear may 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) or 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 unclean water or improper ear cleaning.
All of the above conditions can be treated with medication after consulting a healthcare provider for appropriate management.
If you have already undergone pure tone audiometry (which requires headphones in a soundproof room, where you respond to sounds by pressing a button, rather than just using a tuning fork), and it confirms 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, as the optimal treatment window for sudden sensorineural hearing loss is within two weeks, and early treatment yields better outcomes.
As for the shape of your tonsils, if the physician determines there are no obvious malignant signs, it is advisable to simply monitor the situation.
Wishing you good health and safety.

Reply Date: 2023/10/31

More Info

Tonsillitis, or inflammation of the tonsils, can lead to various complications, including voice loss and ear-related symptoms such as tinnitus (ear ringing). Your experience of losing your voice and subsequently noticing changes in your tonsils and ear symptoms is not uncommon, especially after a significant infection.
When you have tonsillitis, the inflammation can extend beyond the tonsils, affecting surrounding structures, including the throat and even the ears. The tonsils are part of the lymphatic system and play a role in immune response, but they can also become a source of infection themselves. In your case, the initial treatment may not have been effective, leading to prolonged symptoms and the eventual need for antibiotics.
The fact that your voice took time to recover indicates that the inflammation likely affected your vocal cords as well. The vocal cords, located in the larynx, can become swollen and irritated during infections, leading to hoarseness or loss of voice. This recovery process can vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the infection and individual healing responses.

Regarding the shape of your tonsils, it is not unusual for them to appear altered after an infection. The tonsils can become enlarged or develop scar tissue as a result of repeated infections. While it is understandable to be concerned about the appearance of your tonsils, the primary concern should be whether they are functioning properly and whether you are experiencing recurrent infections. If you are not experiencing significant pain or difficulty swallowing, the change in shape may not be a cause for alarm.

As for the ear ringing (tinnitus) you mentioned, it can indeed be related to your tonsillitis. Tinnitus can occur due to several reasons, including ear infections, Eustachian tube dysfunction, or even referred sensations from throat issues. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and helps equalize pressure. If your throat is inflamed, it may affect the function of this tube, leading to a sensation of fullness or ringing in the ears.

Since you have had your hearing checked and it is normal, this is a positive sign. However, persistent tinnitus can be bothersome. It is often a symptom that can resolve on its own, but if it continues, it may be worth discussing further with an ENT specialist. They can evaluate whether there are any underlying issues contributing to the tinnitus, such as fluid in the ear or other conditions.

In summary, while the changes you are experiencing after tonsillitis can be concerning, they are not uncommon. The recovery of your voice and the appearance of your tonsils may take time, and the presence of tinnitus could be linked to the inflammation in your throat. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Regular monitoring and communication with your doctor can help ensure that any potential complications are addressed promptly.

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