Ear Congestion and Tinnitus After a Cold: When to See a Doctor

Ear fullness followed by tinnitus?

Yesterday, after descending from the mountain, I experienced a feeling of fullness in my left ear.
When I woke up the next day, the fullness had slightly decreased, but I developed tinnitus.
While trying to relieve the fullness during the recovery from my cold, I attempted to yawn and heard a tearing sound in my ear.
Now, when I try to equalize the pressure in my ear, it also hurts a bit.
Should I see a doctor quickly, or is this related to my cold?

Lin, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/01/04

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, it is possible that after a cold, the dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, combined with changes in altitude, has led to the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear, resulting in symptoms such as ear fullness or tinnitus.
These symptoms often improve gradually.
However, if the symptoms persist and worsen, or if there is any discharge from the ear, it is necessary to seek medical evaluation or treatment.
Wishing you safety and good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2015/01/04

More Info

Experiencing ear congestion and tinnitus, especially after a cold or a change in altitude, can be concerning. Your symptoms of ear fullness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and discomfort when trying to equalize pressure (like when yawning) suggest that you may be dealing with a condition related to the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. This tube helps to equalize pressure in the ear and drain fluid.
When you have a cold, the mucous membranes can become inflamed, leading to Eustachian tube dysfunction. This can result in a sensation of fullness in the ear, muffled hearing, and sometimes tinnitus. The tearing sound you hear when trying to pop your ears could indicate that the pressure is not equalizing properly, which can cause discomfort or pain.

In general, if your symptoms are mild and you are not experiencing severe pain, fever, or significant hearing loss, it may be reasonable to monitor your condition for a few days. Many cases of Eustachian tube dysfunction resolve on their own as the cold symptoms improve. You can try some home remedies to alleviate your symptoms, such as:
1. Yawning or swallowing: These actions can help open the Eustachian tube and equalize pressure.

2. Nasal decongestants: Over-the-counter decongestants can help reduce swelling in the nasal passages and Eustachian tube.

3. Steam inhalation: Breathing in steam can help relieve nasal congestion.

4. Warm compress: Applying a warm compress to the affected ear may help alleviate discomfort.

However, if your symptoms persist for more than a few days, worsen, or if you develop additional symptoms such as severe pain, fever, or significant hearing loss, it is advisable to see a doctor. An ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist can perform a thorough examination, which may include a hearing test and possibly imaging studies, to rule out other conditions such as middle ear infections (otitis media) or more serious issues like eustachian tube obstruction.

In summary, while your symptoms may be related to a common cold and Eustachian tube dysfunction, it is essential to remain vigilant. If you notice any worsening of your condition or if you have concerns about your hearing or pain levels, seeking medical attention sooner rather than later is the best course of action. Early intervention can help prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment.

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