Suggest Treatment For Loss Of Hearing Along With Clogged Ears

Posted on Fri, 24 Apr 2015

Question: How can I clean my ears from the stopped up, plugged up, fluid retention condition. I am about to fly in 10 days and I fear hearing loss from decompression.? I have just tried the steam treatment but maybe have to do it again to be of any help. YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
OTC Nasal decongestant drops (0.1% Xylometazoline)

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. You can use OTC Nasal decongestant drops (containing 0.1% Xylometazoline) for a few days (but not more than two weeks), provided you are not hypertensive or have glaucoma.

2. Carefully allow the drops to descend along the outer walls of the nose.

3. The best way is to get the eardrums examined. An Impedance Audiometry (Tympanometry) will accurately show if the middle ear has fluid retention.

4. Use these nasal drops (after steam inhalation) an hour before the flight.

5. Upload the Impedance Audiometry report and ear drum findings here.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (19 hours later)

Thank you, advice for upcoming flight (in 10 days). I have a chronic glug of mucus at the back of my throat which periodically brings on the plugged ears (one, the other or both) which is very annoying and disturbing to my thought process. Do you estimate this to be due to an allergy or is there anything you can recommend to cut this mucus for releaf.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Post Nasal Drip (PND).

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. That would be Post Nasal Drip of mucus from the nose and sinuses.

2. An anti-allergic (such as cetirizine, levocetirizine or fexofenadine) and a mucolytic (such as bromhexine or ambroxol) will help. A steroid nasal spray can be used for gently healing the nose and sinuses and decreasing the PND.

3. Continue with your present treatment. The above medications will require a prescription form a local doctor.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (37 hours later)

Took Sudafed decongestant yesterday 8 am and 8 pm.: did steam for 15 before bed. Cleaned ears with alcohol/vinegar drops and during the night I put ionic silver into nose to cut post nasal glug. I feel better this morning; ears better but wanting to close with my movements. Think I am on the mend. Thank you very much. Now source of information for me. Again Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Good to hear that you are better.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. Good to hear that you are better.

2. Use Sudafed with caution. Only the minimum of use.

3. The medication suggested above is more gentle.

Wishing you good health,

Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar