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What Causes Intermittent Ear Fullness And Mild Hearing Loss?
Posted on
Fri, 17 Mar 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 17 Mar 2017
Answered on
Fri, 7 Apr 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : I have a feeling of fullness, sometimes flutters, in my right ear. I am deaf in left ear. Can't tell if it is from sinus or something different.
Brief Answer:
Viral or allergic causes might be- treatment recommended.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.
I carefully read your question and understand your concern.
If these symptoms are for a week or less than very likely you are having a common cold, that is a self limited viral infection that takes some days and totally clears on its own. To help with it is nasal saline solution each nostril every 4-6 hours and sometimes nose drops with nafazoline might be of great release but should not be used for longer than 4-5 days as it might make it worse.
Meanwhile make sure you drink plenty. I would not recommend you to blow you nose hard as it might push towards the sinuses mucus plugs and thick secretions and really cause blockage and infection in the sinuses and in the ears also. Gentle nose blowing is ok.
If your symptoms are there for longer than 10 days than it still might be due to viral infection but the chance of seasonal allergy is higher so in this case, other than local nasal saline solution regularly, some antihistamines would be helpful to take- Loratadine or cetirizine. Antihistamines might cause some drowsiness so it is good to take them at night before bed and be cautious if you need do drive a car.
Make sure it is not related to certain exposures which might speak of certain allergic reaction, for example certain foods, parfumes, medications, contact with animal hair, etc. In case you identify something that makes your symptoms worse try to avoid it. In this cases sometimes this is all the treatment needed.
I do not think the ear drops will help in this case and sometimes might make you feel even more blocked when you use them so I would not recommend you to use them unless a doctor has checked your ears and thinks you really need them.
If no improvement in the symptoms in 4-5 days after starting these treatments than you will need to have a consultation with your doctor and have your nose checked and give you the needed treatment.
I hope this is helpful to you and answers to your question but please feel free to contact us in case more clarification is still needed on this.
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
Viral or allergic causes might be- treatment recommended.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.
I carefully read your question and understand your concern.
If these symptoms are for a week or less than very likely you are having a common cold, that is a self limited viral infection that takes some days and totally clears on its own. To help with it is nasal saline solution each nostril every 4-6 hours and sometimes nose drops with nafazoline might be of great release but should not be used for longer than 4-5 days as it might make it worse.
Meanwhile make sure you drink plenty. I would not recommend you to blow you nose hard as it might push towards the sinuses mucus plugs and thick secretions and really cause blockage and infection in the sinuses and in the ears also. Gentle nose blowing is ok.
If your symptoms are there for longer than 10 days than it still might be due to viral infection but the chance of seasonal allergy is higher so in this case, other than local nasal saline solution regularly, some antihistamines would be helpful to take- Loratadine or cetirizine. Antihistamines might cause some drowsiness so it is good to take them at night before bed and be cautious if you need do drive a car.
Make sure it is not related to certain exposures which might speak of certain allergic reaction, for example certain foods, parfumes, medications, contact with animal hair, etc. In case you identify something that makes your symptoms worse try to avoid it. In this cases sometimes this is all the treatment needed.
I do not think the ear drops will help in this case and sometimes might make you feel even more blocked when you use them so I would not recommend you to use them unless a doctor has checked your ears and thinks you really need them.
If no improvement in the symptoms in 4-5 days after starting these treatments than you will need to have a consultation with your doctor and have your nose checked and give you the needed treatment.
I hope this is helpful to you and answers to your question but please feel free to contact us in case more clarification is still needed on this.
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
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. Raju A.T
Answered by
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