Persistent Ear Congestion and Tinnitus: Seeking Relief and Solutions - Otolaryngology

The left ear has been blocked for over three months, and there are occasional tinnitus episodes?

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In February of this year, I suddenly fell ill with what was diagnosed as acute sinusitis.
I experienced yellow nasal discharge, post-nasal drip, sore throat, and a feeling of fullness in both ears, but I did not have a fever.
After taking antibiotics prescribed by an ENT specialist for about five days, my yellow nasal discharge, post-nasal drip, and sore throat improved, but I still felt fullness in my ears, and occasionally experienced dizziness and nausea.
About a month later, the fullness in my right ear resolved, but my left ear remained blocked.
During this time, I continued to visit the ENT clinic and took medication, but the doctors said my ears were fine.
However, for the past two months, my left ear has been persistently blocked, often accompanied by high-frequency sounds, which is quite uncomfortable.
Later, I heard about a highly effective ENT clinic on Minquan West Road in Taipei, so I went for a consultation.
The doctor suggested that my symptoms might be due to Eustachian tube dysfunction caused by a cold.
He prescribed medication for three days and taught me a technique: if my ear feels blocked, I could pinch my nose and blow gently, which would create a "pop" sound and open my eardrum.
I tried this method, and it worked temporarily, but the blockage returned shortly after.
Repeating this action resulted in pain in my right ear, particularly around the eardrum, and I could hear my own breathing in that ear, while the left ear remained blocked.
I felt that this situation could not continue, so I sought advice from a local clinic, which recommended that I visit National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH).
I found Dr.
Hsu Chuan-Chen, a renowned ENT specialist at NTUH, hoping for a thorough examination.
However, I was disappointed.
Initially, a young doctor conducted a preliminary examination and said my ears were fine.
I expressed my concern about the left ear being blocked for two months, and he looked again, suggesting there might be fluid buildup.
When I asked what to do, he said to wait for Dr.
Hsu to provide further guidance.
When Dr.
Hsu examined me, he reviewed the preliminary doctor's findings and stated that there was no issue.
I mentioned the earlier suggestion of fluid buildup, but he dismissed it and prescribed a nasal spray (Medinose), advising me to try it and return if it didn’t help.
I was frustrated because I expected a thorough examination at NTUH, but there were no tests related to my ear condition, just a recommendation to try the nasal spray.
Feeling helpless, I asked around for recommendations and was referred to "Andong ENT Clinic" in Keelung by a friend who had a similar experience.
He mentioned that he had sudden ear blockage and was advised to see a doctor for possible Eustachian tube dysfunction.
At Andong ENT Clinic, the doctor used a tympanic membrane massage device to relieve his ear blockage and prescribed medication, which resolved his issue overnight.
I was intrigued and decided to visit Andong ENT Clinic on May 30.
The doctor was surprised that my ear had been blocked for two months without improvement.
He believed my cold had not fully resolved and recommended tympanic membrane massage followed by nasal irrigation.
This was my first experience with tympanic membrane massage, which involved inserting tubes into both ears and using air to help relieve pressure.
The session lasted three minutes, during which I had to swallow continuously.
Afterward, I felt some relief in my left ear.
Following that, I underwent nasal irrigation using a saline solution.
After the treatment, I went to the pharmacy on the second floor to pick up my medication.
The pharmacist emphasized that I needed to take the medication every six hours without interruption.
I diligently followed this schedule, hoping my left ear would no longer feel blocked.
Currently, my left ear still feels somewhat congested, but not as severely as before.
I later visited Wan Fang Hospital, where my hearing was tested at over 20 decibels, and my middle ear pressure was normal.
An X-ray showed no abnormalities, and the doctor confirmed that my ears were fine.
However, I still experience a feeling of fullness, which may be exacerbated by the hot weather, as it seems to improve when the weather is stable.
Each morning, I wake up feeling a sense of swelling and blockage in my ears, which tends to improve by midday.
Recently, I have also experienced loud tinnitus and high-frequency sounds, especially in quiet environments.
I have been pinching my nose and blowing to relieve the blockage, but this often leads to pain in my right ear.
I wonder if this method is advisable.
I hope to find a solution for my ear blockage.
Thank you.

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Mr. Deng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/06/08