Ear fullness, Otolaryngology FAQ

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Understanding One-Sided Ear Congestion and Headache: Causes and Treatments

Unilateral ear congestion with unilateral headache? For the past month, I have been experiencing unilateral ear fullness and unilateral headache, with occasional facial numbness during severe episodes. The same side of my eye also feels pressure and swelling. The symptoms fluctua...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the issues you mentioned could possibly 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 (com...

[Read More] Understanding One-Sided Ear Congestion and Headache: Causes and Treatments


Understanding Sudden Hearing Loss: Treatment and Recovery Insights

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Hello, Doctor. On the morning of May 3rd, I woke up to find that my left ear felt stuffy and I couldn't hear very well. That morning, I took two oral steroids and vitamin B, and in the evening, I took four steroids and B complex prescribed b...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, both oral and injectable steroids are used to improve hearing. Taking 12 steroid pills daily, as per the prescription, generally should not worsen hearing. Currently, it is not possible to determine the cause of the hearing deterioration. It is recommended to continue medi...

[Read More] Understanding Sudden Hearing Loss: Treatment and Recovery Insights


Understanding Nasopharyngeal Inflammation and Ear Pressure Issues

Issues related to the nose? Hello, doctor. I recently visited an otolaryngology clinic because I felt a fullness in one ear. The doctor examined my ear and found no signs of otitis media. Then, they used a nasopharyngoscope to check my nasopharynx and noted that it was inflamed. ...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello. 1. No relevance. 2. Post-nasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux may cause dysfunction of the Eustachian tube in the nasopharynx, leading to a sensation of ear fullness or pressure.

[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Inflammation and Ear Pressure Issues


Understanding Ear Congestion After Waking: When to See an ENT Specialist

Feeling of ear fullness after waking up? I previously visited an otolaryngologist due to a feeling of ear fullness upon waking up. At that time, examinations of the outer and inner ear as well as hearing tests showed no issues, and it was determined to be a problem with the Eusta...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, sudden sensorineural hearing loss typically presents with a significant decrease in hearing ability, so the symptoms may not align with that. If the sensation of ear fullness persists without improvement, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngologist for examination and c...

[Read More] Understanding Ear Congestion After Waking: When to See an ENT Specialist


Which Specialist to See for Persistent Oral and Throat Discomfort?

Which department should I consult? Since February, I have been experiencing discomfort and numbness in my hard palate. I am unsure if it is due to cavities or periodontal disease. I have been regularly visiting the dentist, and they have all said that there is nothing wrong. I ha...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if there are no significant structural abnormalities found during the examination by either the otolaryngology or dentistry departments, it is recommended to visit a neurologist for a neurological function assessment. The relevant tests will be determined by the clinical p...

[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Persistent Oral and Throat Discomfort?


Understanding Ear Pressure and Dizziness: Insights from ENT Specialists

Inner ear issues Hello, doctor. About a week ago, I caught a cold and didn't take any medication. The next day, I woke up with severe ear fullness and could hear my heartbeat. I tried the Valsalva maneuver, but it didn't help and seemed to make it worse. I went to see a...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, most cases of middle ear effusion improve with medication treatment. Only a small number of cases that persist for more than a few weeks require the placement of tympanostomy tubes under local anesthesia for drainage.

[Read More] Understanding Ear Pressure and Dizziness: Insights from ENT Specialists


Understanding Ear Congestion and Low-Frequency Hearing Loss After a Cold

Ear fullness, low-frequency hearing loss? Hello Doctor, I had a severe cold in mid-December last year, during which my nasal discharge was very thick (yellow-green like jelly). At the same time, I experienced a feeling of fullness in my left ear, difficulty hearing, and low-frequ...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, whether it is sudden sensorineural hearing loss or inner ear edema (Meniere's disease), the chance of recovery from hearing loss is approximately 70-80%. There is no guarantee of complete recovery, and the longer the duration since the onset of symptoms, the lower the...

[Read More] Understanding Ear Congestion and Low-Frequency Hearing Loss After a Cold


Understanding Meniere's Disease: Impact of Viral Infections on Ear Health

Meniere's disease follow-up questions? Thank you, Dr. Cheng, for your response. I will start by focusing on reducing salt intake. I have another question. At that time, I suddenly experienced ear fullness and tinnitus while I was suffering from a severe cold with nasal disch...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, infections may trigger episodes of Meniere's disease. Generally, inner ear inflammation can cause severe dizziness. As for pharmacological treatment, there are some differences between the two conditions. It is recommended to continue outpatient follow-up treatment.

[Read More] Understanding Meniere's Disease: Impact of Viral Infections on Ear Health


Can Earplugs Cause Ear Congestion? Understanding the Connection

Is there a connection between wearing earplugs and ear congestion? Hello doctor, I am currently living in a dormitory, and my roommate's alarm clock is very loud and goes off multiple times without being turned off. I usually wear earplugs to sleep, but I have noticed that I...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, it is possible that if there is no improvement, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngologist for examination and confirmation.

[Read More] Can Earplugs Cause Ear Congestion? Understanding the Connection


Understanding Ear Infections and Tinnitus After a Cold in Children

Cold-induced otitis media and tinnitus? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask about my child who, after taking medication for a cold, suddenly experienced a bubbling sound in the ear while hiccuping a few nights later. The next day, we visited a doctor who indicated that my child wa...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, otitis media may cause ear fullness, hearing loss, or tinnitus. It is recommended to return for a follow-up evaluation after completing a three-day course of antibiotics.

[Read More] Understanding Ear Infections and Tinnitus After a Cold in Children


Understanding Throat Pain, Headaches, and Ear Noises: ENT Insights

Sore throat, headache, and ear noise issues? Hello Doctor: I previously experienced dizziness and visited a specialist in vestibular disorders. The doctor didn't say much and started performing maneuvers for BPPV, prescribing medication for dizziness. Two days later, one aft...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, dizziness can have numerous potential causes: 1) If accompanied by a dull pain at the back of the head, it may suggest poor blood circulation in the head and neck. 2) If there is also ear fullness, pressure, or hearing loss, it may indicate sudden sensorineural hearing los...

[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain, Headaches, and Ear Noises: ENT Insights


Understanding Hearing Loss and Neck Issues After a Car Accident

Hearing impairment, neck issues, ear problems? Hello Doctor, I was in a car accident on November 8, 2023, on the highway, where I was rear-ended by an 11-ton truck. I went to the emergency room that day, and X-rays showed a neck contusion, but I had no issues with my hearing unti...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of hearing loss. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide information on whether there are issues such as bleeding, tumors, or fractures; however, the relevance of these findings still needs to be assessed by a clinical physician. It is recommende...

[Read More] Understanding Hearing Loss and Neck Issues After a Car Accident


Understanding Tinnitus After Middle Ear Effusion: Causes and Treatments

Tinnitus after middle ear effusion? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I experienced fluid accumulation in my middle ear. After about a month of medication treatment without improvement, I underwent tympanocentesis on my left ear twice (with a one-week interval). The doctor mentioned that ...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the issues you mentioned could 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 (commonly ref...

[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus After Middle Ear Effusion: Causes and Treatments


Understanding Ear Pressure and Pulsatile Tinnitus: Your Questions Answered

Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Cheng, Hello. Just now, while I was sitting and looking at my phone, my head and neck were in a position that caused some pressure. Suddenly, I felt a sense of fullness in both ears, and at the same time, I heard a sound in my left ear that resemble...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, a common sensation of ear fullness or sounds in the ear, when there is no significant hearing loss, is often related to Eustachian tube dysfunction. The symptoms are less likely to resemble pulsatile tinnitus, as pulsatile tinnitus is usually characterized by persistent ri...

[Read More] Understanding Ear Pressure and Pulsatile Tinnitus: Your Questions Answered


Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Impact on Hearing

Tinnitus issues Hello, Doctor. I feel like I can hear two or three types of tinnitus; there's a sound like electrical buzzing and a humming noise. It's been a month, and I've gone to several major hospitals for hearing tests, which showed no issues with my hearing,...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if the hearing test is normal, common tinnitus may be related to tension, stress, or anxiety. It is recommended to try exercising, diverting attention, or listening to preferred music to mask the tinnitus.

[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Impact on Hearing


Understanding Persistent Lymph Node Swelling and Ear Issues After Otitis Media

Lymph nodes that have not resolved for two years / Otitis media Hello Doctor, I had otitis media over a decade ago and underwent a procedure to drain fluid. Since then, I have experienced recurrent tinnitus and occasional ear pain. Two years ago, the pain intensified, and I notic...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
1. If lymph nodes do not show persistent enlargement, increase in number, or hardening, they are mostly benign. They may decrease in size after the infection improves, but they may not completely disappear to the point of being undetectable. If there are concerns, regular follow-...

[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lymph Node Swelling and Ear Issues After Otitis Media


Persistent Ear Tightness and Dizziness: Possible ENT Issues Explained

Ear tightness and dizziness for several days? It seems that this started about a month after my diagnosis. Previously, I would only feel dizzy in hot weather, but for the past week or so, I've occasionally experienced a sensation of tightness in my ears, similar to what you ...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, dizziness can have numerous potential causes: 1) If accompanied by a dull pain in the left posterior part of the head, it may suggest poor blood circulation in the head and neck. 2) If there are symptoms of ear fullness, ear pressure, or hearing loss, it may indicate sudde...

[Read More] Persistent Ear Tightness and Dizziness: Possible ENT Issues Explained


Can Sinusitis Cause Tinnitus? Understanding Ear Pressure and Symptoms

Unilateral tinnitus with a sudden drumming sound: Is it possible that it is caused by sinusitis? Recently, I visited a family medicine clinic due to a cold. After about 15 days of treatment, the yellow-green nasal discharge has resolved, and the family physician believes this was...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the issues you mentioned could 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 me...

[Read More] Can Sinusitis Cause Tinnitus? Understanding Ear Pressure and Symptoms


Understanding Ear Congestion: Concerns About Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Ear fullness sensation? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you if the feeling of ear fullness caused by nasopharyngeal carcinoma will lessen over time, or will it only get worse? I had a nasopharyngoscopy in early June, which was normal, but I am worried that a tumor might sudden...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if the nasopharyngoscopy shows no significant abnormalities, nasopharyngeal cancer can be temporarily ruled out. There are many factors that can cause Eustachian tube dysfunction leading to ear fullness. If the symptoms persist without improvement, it is advisable to seek ...

[Read More] Understanding Ear Congestion: Concerns About Nasopharyngeal Cancer


Understanding Ear Problems: Insights on Middle Ear Issues and Treatments

Ear problems Hello Doctor, two months ago I experienced ear fullness and tinnitus. I visited a clinic and was diagnosed with otitis media. I took antibiotics for three weeks, and the tinnitus improved, but the ear fullness and pressure have been fluctuating. I consulted another c...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, there is no specific limit on the number of punctures, but repeated punctures can easily lead to bleeding or infection. If symptoms do not show significant improvement after more than three months, consideration should be given to the placement of tympanostomy tubes for tr...

[Read More] Understanding Ear Problems: Insights on Middle Ear Issues and Treatments


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