I Have A Ear Problem. I Hear A Hissing Sound,

Posted on Fri, 20 Dec 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I have a ear problem. I hear a hissing sound, especially in my left ear, since 3 years. I feel as if I am breathing through the ear. It interferes with my hearing. I find the sound annoying. I can't concentrate. I have consulted ENT specialist. I was asked to use nasal spray Otrivine or something equivalent three times daily. I have also tried Pressureze. It does not work. I am told that nothing can be done about it except to get some relief by opening and closing the jaws frequently. Is this true? I am 84 years old and a heart patient and a diabetic.

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is tinnitus probably.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query.

The symptoms and signs you have given suggestive of something called tinnitus which is nothing but the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. It can worsen with age.

Many conditions like age generated changes can cause tinnitus. Problems with the temporomandibular joint, the joint on each side of your head can cause tinnitus and it is a possible cause in your case as the symptoms improve with movements of the jaw.

Drugs like Betahistine can be tried to reduce the symptoms. Avoid exposure to loud noise as it might worsen the symptoms.

If symptoms persist better to get re-evaluated by the ENT in detail.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (19 minutes later)

Is Betahistine a prescription drug? Is it a nasal spray? Can it be bought over the counter?

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is available as OTC( over the counter) in most of the countries.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is an over the counter available tablet. You can take eight Mg pills twice a day.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T