Three weeks ago I experienced severe ear pain and was diagnosed with a severe
ear infection. I am a 39 year old healthy male. The doctor said my ear looked
like "raw meat". He made three "nicks" to drain the fluid and attempted
unsucessfully to insert a tube. He put me on Augmentin (sp?) and ear drops.
I was also given a hearing test and was told that there was some loss and
possible nerve damage.
I returned 1 week later and was given another hearing test with almost
identical results. He said the infection is gone and now have, serous
otitis media. The problem now is my head still feels "plugged-up" and I
have had for 3 weeks a high pitch ringing in my ear. I am concerned that
this is a permanent condition and from what
I have researched regarding tinnitus, this could last forever. I am
wondering what if anything can or could be reasonable done to aleviate
this ringing. Any advise will be appreciated.
Thank You,
Reply: -----------------------------
At this point in time, what you have described is a fairly normal course for a severe bout of otitis. Serous fluid accumulation behind the ear drum is a common sequela to an ear infection and may last for several weeks after resolution of the ear infection. Therefore, based on what you have described, it would seem to be premature to worry about any permanent damage since you have described a relatively common natural history of an ear infection. Furthermore, serous fluid accumulation would usually cause a feeling of "plugging" in the ears as well as tinnitus. Finally, nerve damage can be determined with an audiogram at any point in time. Some cases of nerve injury with ear infections are transiet and will resolve with time. Close follow-up is necessary when nerve involvment is noted with a severe ear infection, though.
--
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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