Ear Pain and Tinnitus: When to Seek Further Medical Help

Regarding the issue of noise, pain, and a feeling of fullness in the ear?

Hello, about a week ago, I experienced unexplained swelling and pain in my left ear along with tinnitus.
I visited a clinic, and the doctor said it was caused by nasal inflammation and prescribed medication.
After about two days, my right ear also began to feel swollen and congested, accompanied by irregular buzzing sounds similar to static or a radio signal loss.
I went to another clinic, and the doctor also attributed it to nasal inflammation.
Both doctors only examined my outer ear and nose.
Since the sounds persisted, I went to a larger hospital for further evaluation.
This time, they conducted a hearing test using sound waves, and the doctor said the results were normal.
They prescribed me medication for a cold and to improve blood circulation.
A few days have passed, but the sounds continue.
I would like to know if I should seek further evaluation at another hospital or continue taking the medication.
I have only undergone a hearing test and an outer ear examination; are there more detailed tests available, such as for the inner ear and middle ear? Is there a possibility of recovery in this situation? I would appreciate hearing the doctor's opinion, as my mental and physical stress has increased over these days, and I am having trouble sleeping.
I am really worried about this situation continuing.
Thank you very much.

MIMI, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/25

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, a normal hearing test generally indicates that the middle ear and inner ear functions are normal.
You may start with medication treatment, and if there is no improvement after completing the medication, you can return to the hospital for a follow-up examination.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/02/25

More Info

Hello! Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your ear pain and tinnitus. It sounds like you have been experiencing a challenging situation with your ears, and I understand how distressing this can be. Based on your description, it seems that you have been dealing with symptoms that may be related to both your nasal inflammation and potential issues within your ears.

From what you've described, the initial diagnosis of nasal inflammation leading to ear discomfort is plausible. The Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose, can become blocked or inflamed due to nasal congestion, leading to a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears, as well as tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears). This can happen when you have a cold, allergies, or sinusitis.

The fact that you have experienced symptoms in both ears and have had a hearing test that returned normal results is a positive sign. However, the persistent nature of your tinnitus and ear discomfort warrants further evaluation. While the medications prescribed may help alleviate some symptoms, they may not address the underlying issue if it persists.

In terms of further investigations, it would be beneficial to consider a few additional tests. An audiologist can perform a more comprehensive audiological evaluation, which may include tympanometry to assess the middle ear function and possibly an acoustic reflex test. These tests can provide insight into whether there is fluid in the middle ear or if there are issues with the eardrum's mobility.

If the symptoms continue despite treatment, or if they worsen, it may be wise to consult an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) for a more thorough examination. They can perform a detailed examination of the middle and inner ear, possibly using imaging studies like a CT scan if necessary, to rule out any structural issues or complications such as eustachian tube dysfunction or inner ear disorders.

Regarding your concerns about the potential for recovery, many cases of ear-related issues, especially those stemming from nasal problems, can resolve with appropriate treatment. However, tinnitus can sometimes be more persistent, particularly if it is associated with hearing loss or other underlying conditions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and sound therapy are often recommended for managing chronic tinnitus, as they can help reduce the perception of the sound and improve your quality of life.

It's also important to address the stress and sleep disturbances you mentioned. Chronic pain and discomfort can significantly impact your mental health, so finding ways to manage stress through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or even talking to a mental health professional can be beneficial.

In summary, while it may be appropriate to continue with your current medications for now, if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, seeking further evaluation from an ENT specialist would be a prudent step. They can provide a more comprehensive assessment and tailor a treatment plan that addresses both your ear symptoms and any related concerns. Remember, you are not alone in this, and there are effective ways to manage and treat your symptoms. Take care!

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