Eleven months ago while sleeping under a new bedspread/comforter made
in China which had a faint chemical smell, I awoke at 4AM with pain
in the left ear. The pain subsided within a few hours and I was left
with a fullness in the ear. The sensation was the same as the
typical pressure change in the ear while landing in an aircraft.
After 2 weeks of steady blockage and clicking sounds when swallowing,
I was examined, the results were indications of a high frequency loss
with the remaining tests unremarkable. The placement of a T Tube was
of no help as were Amoxicillan, Flonase, Humibid/Guiaifed. Concerns
of damage from a previous mild stroke leaving partial numbness of the
left cheek and upper lip led to a CT Scan and MRI. These exams did
not reveal any abnormalities. Two other clinical exams by
Otolaryngolists concluded " I would have to learn to live with it"
Another opinion was expressed as a lack of bone or very thin bone
structure between the mastoid area and the brain was the culprit and
led to the occassional heart beat thumping in the ear. This theory
was dismissed by Walter Reed ENT doctors and a "see you in 6 months"
conclusion.
From this history is there a possibility that you have seen this problem before and could provide some advise for this senoir citizen. Thank you in advance
Reply: -----------------
It is somewhat difficult to discern the exact nature of your problem based on what you have posted. As best as I can tell, you must have had an otitis media (an infection of the middle ear) which failed to clear promptly with antibiotic therapy thereby necessitating placement of a tympanostomy tube designed to drain fluid trapped in the middle ear space. I assume that the high frequency hearing loss described affects both ears and was most likely pre-existent and unrelated to the infection. The "blockage" and "clicking" suggests obstruction of the eustachian tube which connects the middle ear space with the throat and whose purpose is to ventilate or equalize air pressure as well as drain the middle ear. Infections of the middle ear may result in protracted eustachian tube dysfunction which persists long after the actual infection has resolved leaving typical symptoms of plugging, crackling, or clicking in the ears. Often a test known as a tympanogram will reveal eustachian tube problems. Such eustachian tube problems are occasionally very difficult to eradicate in timely fashion despite medications such as antibiotics and decongestants. In my experience, topical nasal steroids such as Flonase, Rhinocort, Nasacort, etc if used on a regular daily basis over a period of one month often improves eustachian tube related symptoms.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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