What Causes Perception Of Loud Sound And Hearing Loss, And How Can It Be Treated?

Posted on Sat, 24 Mar 2018

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

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 Answered on

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : Feeling pressure in my ears and sounds like I am talking in a tunnel and hearing loss for last 6 months. ENT prescribed steroid nasal spray along with couple of different medications. The last one Triamterene seemed to work for maybe a day or so but always returns.
Next step ENT wants to put tubes in my ears. The kind that last 2 - 5 years. I sugggested a CT or MRI. He says that is next step if tubes do not work.
I am A 69 active female in good health.
Your opinion and diagnose greatly appreciated.
Not exactly wanting the tubes.
Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Hyperacusis.

Detailed Answer:

Hi!

The loud sounds are most commonly due to eustachian tube dysfunction. A medical management followed by grommet insertion may be required.

Another cause may be sensory neural loss.

Please tell me do you have:

-Any history of nasal blockage or congestion or throat infection preceding the incident?
-Any vertigo?
-Any history of hearing loss?
-Any investigations done like an audiometry?
-Any X-ray paranasal sinuses done?

Continue with the nasal spray and take tablet Levocetrizine plus Phenylepherine twice daily for a week. Also take tablet Cinnarizine once daily.

Wait for At least 2 weeks. If the symptoms still persist than an impedance audiometry must be done and if required grommet insertion may be done.

All the medicines I have prescribed will be available only on prescription.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal
ENT Specialist

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