Persistent Phlegm in Throat: Causes and When to Seek Help
Inability to expel phlegm? Since around the sixth grade, I have felt like there is phlegm in my throat that I can't expel. During this time, when I catch a cold, I do produce phlegm, but sometimes it comes out when I cough, while that persistent sensation remains. I usually ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Xiao Xuan, Hello, the sensation of phlegm or a foreign body in the throat is often caused by chronic pharyngitis, which may be related to smoking, air pollution, gastroesophageal reflux, or post-nasal drip. The unusual sound in the ears when swallowing saliva could indicate...[Read More] Persistent Phlegm in Throat: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Ear Echo and Pain After Nasal Surgery: What to Know
Abnormal sounds in the ear? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, after waking up from a nap and eating, I noticed that when I chew food or swallow saliva, the echo in my left ear is much louder than in my right ear. It feels like there is a layer of membrane in my left ear. When I light...
Dr. Xu Yingzhuo Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhou: Based on your description, this condition is likely caused by Eustachian tube obstruction. We recommend that you visit our hospital for a hearing evaluation. If Eustachian tube obstruction is confirmed, medication or Eustachian tube balloon dilation may resolve you...[Read More] Understanding Ear Echo and Pain After Nasal Surgery: What to Know
Can Eustachian Tube Issues Cause Tinnitus? Understanding Your Symptoms
Can the Eustachian tube cause tinnitus? Hello Doctor: I have a few questions I would like you to clarify: You mentioned concerns about nasopharyngeal tumors. I had a nasal endoscopy, and they said everything was normal with no tumors. I would like to know if Eustachian tube issue...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: If the issue is not caused by a tumor in the nasopharynx leading to Eustachian tube dysfunction, we would generally consider whether inflammation is the cause. Of course, long-term abnormal ear pressure can lead to inner ear pathology, commonly presenting as hearing loss o...[Read More] Can Eustachian Tube Issues Cause Tinnitus? Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Swallowing Sounds: Causes and Treatment Options
Making noise while swallowing saliva? Hello Doctor: Previously, I suddenly became unable to adapt to the sound of swallowing saliva, and I lost a lot of weight within a few days. I visited an ear, nose, and throat clinic, and they said it was an issue with the Eustachian tube. Af...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: The clinical manifestations of Eustachian tube disorders are similar to what you mentioned. Whether it is blockage or over-dilation, these sensations are common and usually do not require special attention, as they often resolve on their own over time. It is worth noting t...[Read More] Understanding Swallowing Sounds: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Adult Otitis Media with Effusion: Key Questions Answered
Adult otitis media with effusion Dr. Hsu: Hello! A while ago, my mother experienced repeated colds for about a month. During the later stages of her cold, she reported that she seemed to have some hearing impairment in one ear (we also noticed that we needed to speak louder than ...
Dr. Xu Yingzhuo Reply:
Hello, Little Black Pig: Middle ear effusion can be classified into acute and chronic types. Acute otitis media leading to middle ear effusion is caused by bacterial infection, with symptoms including ear pain and even discharge. Antibiotics can be effective in this case. Howev...[Read More] Understanding Adult Otitis Media with Effusion: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Unexplained Eardrum Tremors: Causes and Insights
Unexplained tympanic membrane oscillation Not long ago, I experienced a situation where I might have had a cold and blew my nose incorrectly by inhaling too forcefully. I felt a retraction in my right eardrum, which caused a sensation of fullness and impaired hearing. Although th...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
This issue can be explained in terms of changes in hearing and no changes in hearing. If there are changes in hearing, it is more likely related to eustachian tube obstruction combined with middle ear effusion. Generally, this can be identified using instruments in an otolaryngol...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Eardrum Tremors: Causes and Insights
Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Tinnitus persists? Hello doctor, for the past few weeks, I have been hearing a sound like "ee ee ee" in both ears when no one is talking to me. This used to happen only late at night when everyone was asleep, but now it occurs whenever I am alone, even during the daytim...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Tinnitus is a common symptom with many potential causes, including sudden sensorineural hearing loss, eustachian tube obstruction, otitis media, and inner ear disorders, among others. The causes vary, but it is often perceived in quieter environments. Some individuals may experie...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Ear Disorders: Causes, Treatments, and Diagnostic Tests
Ear diseases One month ago, while resting my eyes on public transportation, my head swayed with the turns of the vehicle (nodding from right to left). When I woke up, I noticed that when I changed positions significantly, such as speaking loudly, turning my head to talk to someon...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, it is likely that you are experiencing Eustachian tube dysfunction, which is quite common. Although ear pressure is normal, there can still be issues with Eustachian tube function. Currently, there are no specific medications for Eustac...[Read More] Understanding Ear Disorders: Causes, Treatments, and Diagnostic Tests
Sounds in Ears When Swallowing: Causes and Treatment Options
Hearing a sound in the ear when swallowing saliva? Hello: I experience a sound in my ear when I swallow. What could be the possible cause? How should it be treated? Thank you.
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Wade, Hello, it may be due to Eustachian tube dysfunction. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx and opens during swallowing to equalize pressure in the middle ear. Dysfunction of this tube may lead to abnormal sounds. Most cases tend to improve nat...[Read More] Sounds in Ears When Swallowing: Causes and Treatment Options
Can Eustachian Tube Medications Effectively Treat Tinnitus?
Ear medication Recently, after yawning, I experienced a "roaring" sound in my left ear, somewhat similar to the sound of swallowing. After seeing a doctor, I was diagnosed with tinnitus and prescribed some medications for nasal congestion and Eustachian tube issues. I w...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear lilimicky: Hello, if tinnitus is caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction, medications for nasal congestion or allergies are generally prescribed to alleviate nasal symptoms, which can help improve Eustachian tube function. However, the effectiveness varies from person to perso...[Read More] Can Eustachian Tube Medications Effectively Treat Tinnitus?
Understanding Hearing Issues: Ear Health and Tinnitus Concerns
Hearing issues Doctor, I was told in high school that both of my ears were completely blocked. However, when I clean my ears myself, I don't find anything, but I feel that my hearing is not quite right now. I've often experienced tinnitus in the past, and I can make a p...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
This is a clinical manifestation of Eustachian tube obstruction. The Eustachian tube is located behind the eardrum, so it is natural that you won't find anything when you clean your ears. The sound you hear is due to the opening of the tube. Pinching your nose and blowing ai...[Read More] Understanding Hearing Issues: Ear Health and Tinnitus Concerns
Understanding Ear Pain and Popping Sounds During Loud Noises
When the sound is loud, a popping sound occurs in the right ear? Hello doctor, when the sound is loud, I hear a popping sound in my right ear (like a blown speaker). When the sound gets louder, I intermittently cannot hear. During airplane descent, I experience intense pain in my...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Xiao Lin, Regarding your symptoms, it may be due to Eustachian tube dysfunction. However, if you are experiencing difficulty hearing, I recommend visiting a physician to check for any abnormalities in your eardrum. Additionally, a comprehensive hearing test can be arranged ...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain and Popping Sounds During Loud Noises
Persistent Ear Congestion: Causes and Solutions After Surgery
Unilateral ear fullness sensation? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a feeling of fullness in my right ear for over six months. Three months ago, I went to the hospital for an examination (they used a nasal endoscope and a tube that went into my ear with a screen to magnify ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
A feeling of fullness in the middle ear is primarily caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction, which can arise from various factors. One significant cause is hypertrophy of the inferior nasal turbinates. If symptoms persist after surgery, alternative treatment options may be conside...[Read More] Persistent Ear Congestion: Causes and Solutions After Surgery
Understanding Ear Vibrations: Causes and Concerns in ENT Health
Troubled ears Whenever I wash my face, apply makeup, or massage my face (especially when pressing near the eyes and ears), I hear a vibrating sound in my "left" ear. Additionally, when I hear the sound of dishes clashing, the sound of turning pages in a book, or when I ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Hsi-Ning, Hello. Based on your description, all the tests have returned normal results. I suspect that the issue may be caused by small fragments of earwax in the external auditory canal. When you change positions, the larger fragments may strike the eardrum, producing soun...[Read More] Understanding Ear Vibrations: Causes and Concerns in ENT Health
Managing Tinnitus After Major Illness: Seeking Solutions for Hearing Loss
Tinnitus following treatment for a major illness? Dear Director, I have a significant medical history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which I was treated for in July 2005. Recently, I started attending a yoga class, and I am unsure if it is related to my diet or the stretching exer...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello! I must honestly tell you that this is mostly due to the side effects following radiation therapy, primarily affecting the Eustachian tube, which is responsible for balancing middle ear pressure. This often leads to the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear. Clinically, i...[Read More] Managing Tinnitus After Major Illness: Seeking Solutions for Hearing Loss
Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Causes, Treatments, and Care
Eustachian tube dysfunction? Hello, doctor. Previously, I experienced a sudden feeling of fullness in my ear, similar to when flying on an airplane. After visiting a large hospital, the doctor mentioned that my Eustachian tube function was poor, but my hearing was not affected. T...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Simon, 1. Excessive force can indeed cause damage to the eardrum. It is advisable to apply moderate pressure, and if there are no symptoms, there is no need to continue blowing air into the ear. 2. Eustachian tube dysfunction often resolves on its own, so there is no need ...[Read More] Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Causes, Treatments, and Care
Understanding Eustachian Tube Enlargement and Its Link to Tinnitus
Eustachian tube dilation leads to tinnitus? I have been troubled by tinnitus for many years, with symptoms fluctuating in severity. Earlier this year, I underwent an examination at Taichung Veterans General Hospital, where it was determined that the Eustachian tube in my ear was ...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello, in response to your inquiry: Our hospital may find it difficult to answer your question. Would it be possible for you to consult National Taiwan University Hsinchu Branch for clarification? Thank you![Read More] Understanding Eustachian Tube Enlargement and Its Link to Tinnitus
Understanding Ear Vibrations and Eustachian Tube Issues
Earwax? Eustachian tube? About a month ago, while lying flat on my bed and talking with a friend, I started to hear a vibrating sound in my right ear. A few days later, whenever I spoke loudly or massaged my face, I would also hear this vibrating sound in my ear. This condition s...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
You are correct in your assumption; the issue is mostly caused by small earwax adhering to the eardrum. The Eustachian tubes on both sides are not connected, so there will not be the interaction you mentioned.[Read More] Understanding Ear Vibrations and Eustachian Tube Issues
Tinnitus and Hearing Loss: Understanding Causes and Recovery Options
Tinnitus and the Nose Hello, doctor. About a year ago, I experienced tinnitus and visited many hospitals before discovering that the cause was primarily due to nasal allergies, chronic nasal discharge, and nasal polyps, which led to problems with my Eustachian tube, resulting in ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
There are many cases of tinnitus caused by abnormal eustachian tube pressure. Typically, the nasal issues are addressed first to prevent further deterioration. If there is already a noticeable decline in hearing, it is advisable to get an examination immediately. You can go to a ...[Read More] Tinnitus and Hearing Loss: Understanding Causes and Recovery Options
Can Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Resolve on Its Own?
Will Eustachian tube dysfunction resolve on its own? I have had a blocked Eustachian tube for almost three months. I have also undergone a nasopharyngoscopy, and the doctor said there is nothing abnormal. I have consulted many clinics and even visited a large hospital, and they a...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Ruby: Hello, the recovery time for Eustachian tube dysfunction varies from person to person, ranging from a few days to several months. If you have already undergone a thorough examination to rule out other issues and have been confirmed to have Eustachian tube dysfunction, ...[Read More] Can Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Resolve on Its Own?