For about a month now I have had intermittent ear ringing and a feeling of pressure in one ear. The ringing and pressure vary in duration and intensity. My GP saw some cloudiness behind the ear and prescribed an anti-biotic (Amoxycillan). This didn't help. A ENT specialist gave me a hearing test (which was fine, except for some lose at the lower end) and prescribed an anti-histimine. Otherwise, he said that everything looks fine. I have just begun to take the anti-histimines and have not yet noticed any improvement. My personal feeling is that this problem is eustacian tube related. My questions are: does this sound plausible and can an ENT determine this type of problem by simply looking into your ear with his scope or are more comprehensive tests needed?
Reply: ----------------------------
Eustachian tube dysfunction could cause the symptoms of ear pressure and ringing. Additionally, on physical examination the ear drum may have a relatively normal appearance or it may be slightly retracted inward. The most useful test for detecting this condition is an audiometric test known as a tympanogram.
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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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