Causes of Hearing Impairment: Key Factors and Their Percentages
Causes of Hearing Impairment What are the causes of hearing impairment and what are their respective percentages?
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, I received a sudden phone call from a senior colleague in the medical field whom I have always admired. During the call, he mentioned that a friend of his complained about experiencing a subjective decline in hearing on one side while listening to music. I casual...[Read More] Causes of Hearing Impairment: Key Factors and Their Percentages
Can Swimming Trigger Ear Infections? Expert Advice on Prevention
Otitis media Hello, doctor: I would like to ask if swimming can trigger a recurrence of otitis media, and if that means I can never swim again. Thank you.
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: Otitis media can be classified as acute or chronic. Generally speaking, if there is a perforation in the eardrum or if it is in the acute inflammatory phase, swimming is not advisable.[Read More] Can Swimming Trigger Ear Infections? Expert Advice on Prevention
Understanding Ear Infections: Treatment Options for Otitis Media
Otitis media Dear Dr. Jian: I have been experiencing tinnitus in my ear for the past three days, and on the third day, I started to notice yellow discharge. I consulted two otolaryngologists, both of whom diagnosed me with otitis media with a perforated eardrum. One doctor recomm...
Dr. Jian Huangqi Reply:
Hello, Stan: I recommend that you come to my clinic for a detailed examination and further evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Ear Infections: Treatment Options for Otitis Media
Persistent Cough and Nasal Symptoms: Understanding ENT Issues
Coughing Hello Doctor: I have been coughing for three weeks without improvement, and my nose has been continuously running (with yellow-green mucus). Occasionally, I also blow my nose and notice some blood. Additionally, my ears hurt when I sneeze or cough. Could you please expla...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Hsiao-Wen, Based on your description, you may be suffering from acute sinusitis. Prolonged coughing can cause vibrations in the eardrum, leading to tympanitis. Additionally, excessive post-nasal drip can obstruct the Eustachian tube, potentially resulting in otitis media. I...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Nasal Symptoms: Understanding ENT Issues
Understanding Ear Issues: Tinnitus, Pressure, and Dizziness Explained
Ear Hello: I often experience a sensation similar to tinnitus in my ear, feeling as if there is a membrane inside, and it only occurs in one ear. Additionally, there is a persistent discomfort, and my hearing seems to be slightly affected. Recently, I have also been experiencing ...
Dr. Hong Guangliang Reply:
Hello, it is recommended that you visit the ENT department at the hospital for an examination. This will allow the physician to assess the condition of your eardrum and conduct a hearing test.[Read More] Understanding Ear Issues: Tinnitus, Pressure, and Dizziness Explained
Understanding Stapes Osteosclerosis: Impacts on Hearing and Surgery Risks
Otosclerosis Hello Dr. Hong: I have been experiencing hearing loss in my right ear for at least 10 years. However, since it hasn't been a significant issue in my daily life, I never sought an examination until recently. The results of the examination are as follows: 1. A CT ...
Dr. Hong Guangliang Reply:
Hello, based on your description, although I haven't seen your eardrum, audiogram, or CT scan, I will try to answer your questions: 1. Given your age and description, your condition seems to be related to ossicular chain fixation. The innermost ossicle is the stapes, which...[Read More] Understanding Stapes Osteosclerosis: Impacts on Hearing and Surgery Risks
Understanding Ear Distortion: Why High and Low Frequencies Affect One Ear
Hearing music through the ears may result in distortion? In my right ear, whenever I wear headphones and hear higher or lower frequencies, it feels like the sound is distorted, and my ear canal vibrates. I can still hear the sound, but the distortion in that ear is persistent. As...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: Your issue seems to resemble "auditory hypersensitivity," and there are many potential causes for this condition, including noise-induced hearing damage, head trauma, chronic ear infections, autoimmune diseases, and unknown reasons. It is advisable to undergo a h...[Read More] Understanding Ear Distortion: Why High and Low Frequencies Affect One Ear
Is Water in Your Ears Safe? Understanding Ear Cleaning Practices
Issues related to ear canal cleaning? I usually have a habit of letting water flow into both ears until it reaches the eardrum while showering, holding it for a few seconds, and then letting it flow out several times. This makes my ears feel fresher. Could this have any impact on...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Generally, there is no impact if there is no otitis media or tympanic membrane perforation. Dr. Yeh Da-wei, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology at Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Is Water in Your Ears Safe? Understanding Ear Cleaning Practices
Daily Dizziness and Nausea: Is It Related to My Ear Injury?
I would like to inquire about experiencing dizziness and nausea every day? Hello Dr. Hsu, I experienced a perforated eardrum due to external trauma on December 3, 2006. I have been experiencing daily dizziness and nausea since then, and I am wondering if there is a connection. ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry, please visit the otolaryngology clinic for evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.[Read More] Daily Dizziness and Nausea: Is It Related to My Ear Injury?
Bleeding from the Ear: What Parents Need to Know About Ear Issues in Infants
Bleeding from the ear!! At the beginning of September, my little sister suddenly had a foul smell coming from her left ear. We took her to see a pediatrician, who said it might be due to water trapped in her ear, and that the smell would go away once the water dried. However, abo...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, I recommend that you refrain from further digging, as it may have initially been just inflammation, but digging could lead to injury, which would be worse. Please have an examination by an otolaryngologist.[Read More] Bleeding from the Ear: What Parents Need to Know About Ear Issues in Infants
Understanding Ear Blockage: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Ear blockage For a long time, I have often experienced a sudden feeling of ear fullness, similar to what people feel when climbing a mountain. Usually, pinching my nose and forcefully exhaling helps alleviate the sensation, though sometimes it is only effective temporarily. Recen...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, your symptoms are typical of Eustachian tube dysfunction. Patients usually experience a feeling of fullness, as if sounds are echoing in their head. Generally, medication is the first line of treatment, but for severe cases, the placement of a...[Read More] Understanding Ear Blockage: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Can Bugs Crawl into My Ear While I Sleep on the Floor?
Concerns or Worries Doctor, I would like to ask you a question. I usually sleep on the floor, and I recently discovered that there are cockroaches and ants in the area where I sleep. I am worried that ants or cockroach larvae might crawl into my ears, rupture my eardrum, and then...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, I have heard that ants can rupture eardrums, but they do not enter the brain. Please don't let your imagination run too wild.[Read More] Can Bugs Crawl into My Ear While I Sleep on the Floor?
Understanding Ear Congestion: Causes, Treatments, and When to Worry
I feel like there is something stuck in my ear? I have been feeling like there is something stuck in my ear, and I have a buzzing sound. A doctor gave me ear drops, and I used them for a week at home. The earwax turned into a muddy consistency, and the suction device couldn'...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it may be earwax stuck to the eardrum. I recommend outpatient treatment.[Read More] Understanding Ear Congestion: Causes, Treatments, and When to Worry
Understanding Tinnitus After Eardrum Repair: Is It Normal?
Tinnitus Dear Dr. Hsu: I have a 40% perforation of the eardrum and underwent tympanoplasty on March 29 at a certain hospital. The packing material inside my ear has been removed, but I am experiencing severe tinnitus and a persistent sensation that something is still inside. The ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, you should have continuous follow-up for at least 3 months after the surgery. Please discuss your current internal condition with your attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus After Eardrum Repair: Is It Normal?
Understanding Ear Sounds: Why Do I Hear Unusual Noises in My Ear?
Abnormal sounds Hello Doctor: Sometimes when I hear certain sounds in my left ear (such as the sound of a printer or the sound of water while showering), it feels like my eardrum is vibrating continuously in sync with the external sounds. This continuous vibration feels similar t...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... this is a protective mechanism in audiology, but each individual's threshold varies. You can visit an otolaryngologist for confirmation. Keelung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Hsu Chia-Chen.[Read More] Understanding Ear Sounds: Why Do I Hear Unusual Noises in My Ear?
Is It Too Late to Address My Hearing Loss from Ear Injury?
Hearing impairment? Since I started my military service, I've felt that my hearing has not been very good, especially in my left ear, which is more severe. I usually think that I speak quite loudly, but others perceive my voice as very quiet. I recall an incident from my chi...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry... please visit the ENT outpatient clinic for a physician's examination. Health Department, Keelung Hospital, Executive Yuan. Hsu Chia-Chen.[Read More] Is It Too Late to Address My Hearing Loss from Ear Injury?
Understanding Ear Trauma: Risks of Increased Ear Pressure After Injury
Ear trauma? I experienced an impact to my ear during a minor car accident, and since then, my hearing has been impaired. When I blow my nose, I feel air escaping from my ear, and I have a slight ringing sensation. I suspect that I might have a ruptured eardrum, but I want to conf...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... constipation, coughing, inversion, and even diving can increase pressure in the inner ear. Hsu Chia-Chen, Keelung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.[Read More] Understanding Ear Trauma: Risks of Increased Ear Pressure After Injury
Understanding Ear and Balance Issues: Seeking Answers from Specialists
Doctor, could you take another look? Hello, doctor! I previously asked you some questions... and now I have a similar issue. I went to see my family physician again, and he said that I might have an imbalance of fluid in my middle ear, which could take about 1-2 weeks to recover....
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... please seek assistance from an otolaryngologist to clarify your concerns. Keelung Hospital, Department of Health, Hsu Chia-Chen.[Read More] Understanding Ear and Balance Issues: Seeking Answers from Specialists
Managing Pediatric Ear Infections: Concerns and Treatment Options
Treatment of Otitis Media in Children Hello! My child, who is 5 years old, recently developed otitis media due to a cold. After about three days of treatment, the condition could not be controlled, leading to a rupture of the pus-filled sac and damage to the eardrum. I am very co...
Dr. Jian Huangqi Reply:
Dear Concerned Mom: If the clinic is unable to resolve the issue, you can go to a regional hospital for bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing, followed by targeted treatment. Thank you![Read More] Managing Pediatric Ear Infections: Concerns and Treatment Options
Understanding Recurrent Ear Fluid: Causes and Treatment Options
Recurrent fluid accumulation in the inner ear? Hello Dr. Tsai, For several months, I have been receiving treatment at various hospitals in Taichung for fluid accumulation (bubbles) in both ears, which has been difficult to resolve and is quite distressing. 1. Sometimes I have ...
Dr. Cai Hongyan Reply:
If there is bilateral middle ear effusion and continuous antibiotic treatment is ineffective, it is recommended to perform a tympanostomy tube insertion. Since your nasopharyngeal biopsy is okay, it is likely not nasopharyngeal carcinoma, so I think you can proceed with the tube ...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Ear Fluid: Causes and Treatment Options