I Started Having A Cold Almost Three Weeks Ago Which

Posted on Tue, 3 Dec 2019

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

Tue, 3 Dec 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I started having a cold almost three weeks ago which developed from sneezing into a bad cough and now has subsequently cleared up. I also had a blocked ear for almost three weeks but it is now much improved. However, I often hear a ringing noise from it. I saw the doctor a couple of days ago who inspected my ear and said that everything appeared clear now and there was no longer any blockage. Why am I still receiving a ringing noise from my ear and how long does it take to clear up please?
Many thanks
Paul

Answered by Dr. Naveen (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The ringing noise in the ear is due to block in the Eustachian tube

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

1. The ringing noise in the ear is due to block in the Eustachian tube (the tube connecting nose and the ear).

2. First of all, we need to confirm the block in the ear by doing a Tympanometry test.

3. Once, the block is confirmed, then you would require the following medications and home remedies.
a. An Intranasal steroid nasal spray
b. A short course of oral corticosteroids
c. Regular steam inhalation
d. Drinking frequent sips of warm water
e. Avoiding chilled food and beverages, smoking, and coffee
f. Try to blow a balloon every day for few minutes, in order to help in opening the Eustachian tube

Hope with the following measures, you should get better. It would take few weeks to couple of months for the ringing noise to subside.

Hope this answers your query; I would be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Naveen (2 hours later)

Thanks. I will take your advice once the block in the ear is confirmed by the Tympanometry test. What does this test do exactly?

My ear does not appear to be blocked any longer and the doctor examined it last Friday and confirmed that it was now all clear as far as she could see. I thought the ringing noise would subside at the same time as the ear becomes unblocked.

Answered by Dr. Naveen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Tympanometry tests the middle-ear function...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

Tympanometry tests the middle-ear function by creating variations of air pressure in the ear canal. The mobility of the ear drum & ossicles and functioning of the Eustachian tube can be assessed with this test.

Post upper respiratory tract infection, the ringing in the ear is commonly due to the block in the Eustachian tube or presence of the fluid in the middle ear.

Hope this clarifies your doubts, wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D