Suggest Treatment For Tinnitus In Right Ear

Posted on Mon, 16 Mar 2015

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

Mon, 16 Mar 2015 Answered on

Thu, 9 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doctor,

I was having this feeling of tinnitus in my left ear since yesterday and was feeling little imbalanced also since alst few days.
I went to an ENT doctor today and her told that I have wax in my ear which is causing this. He removed quite a good amount of wax from my left ear and little bit from right ear as well.

The tinnitus stopped after that but I can now feel it in my right ear (not left) since evening. What could be the possible cause of this.

Should I insist my ENT doctor to recommed me for MRI scan to rule out the possibility of tumor or so?

Regards,
XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Probably more earwax or swelling in the right ear.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. The first thing to rule out is residual ear wax left behind in the right ear by otoscopy or by a video-otoscope.

2. The next possibility is some edema of the ear drum due to the attempt to remove the ear wax in the right ear.

3. It's to early to decide on an MRI since the tinnitus is only since a day and also the fact that more than 99% of the MRI's done in such a situation will be normal.

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 (21 hours later)

Hi Dr,

Thank you so much for answering my query. I went to the ENT doctor again today morning and told him about this. He checked my right ear again and certified it as completely clean. He also assured that there is nothing to worry about and suggested me to take Steam treatment and not to use any ear drops.

However I have noticed today that the unsteadiness or heavy head feeling still persists although its better than a day before.
It would be great if you could also suggest on what should be my approach here on.

Thanks & Regards,
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Has the tinnitus decreased?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. If the tinnitus in the right ear has decreased or disappeared, the heaviness in the head should settle down in a couple of days.

2. If this settles, no further treatment is necessary.

3. If it does not, get a second opinion from another specialist.

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. Shanthi.E

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

Hi Doctor,

The unstable feeling has reduced by almost 80 percent but the tinnitus has not reduced. Infact it has started in left ear as well although the intensity is more in right ear. What do you suggest now.

Thanks & Regards,
XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
PTA. I/A. Repeat ear exam. Steam & Decomgestants. May be pre-existing.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. This situation requires you to get a Pure Tone Audiogram (PTA) and an Impedance Audiogram (Tympanogram).

2. Get your ears examined from a second specialist.

3. Steam inhalation and an anti-allergic decongestant may help.

4. It is important to remember that a recent tinnitus should not be a cause for worry. It is also possible that your attention has been drawn to it bey the recent ear condition. Tinnitus is very common and most people will experience tinnitus at some point.

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