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What Causes Reduced Hearing?
Posted on
Sat, 11 Oct 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 11 Oct 2014
Answered on
Thu, 30 Oct 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : I have a 'bunged up' ear, not fully but it is difficult to hear through. It is at it's worst in the morning and sleeping on my side with the problem ear doesn't seem to help the matter. In the morning there is a bit of watery wax on the outside of the ear and sometimes even leaks out on to the pillow. I have had this before with the left ear where it clogged up completely and took almost 2 months to unclog and full hearing to return. I thought it was due to wax but after trying to clean it with different solutions countless times I gave up, and it eventually unblocked on it's own. It feel like fluid is stuck inside the ear. It could be an allergy or change in the weather but it seems to always happen with the transition from summer to autumn and then spring to summer (Live in the U.K, possible issue with Humidity changes?). Nothing seems to unblock it ('popping' the ear, yawning etc.) It might be related to my nasal/sinus issues I seem to have (again worsened by weather changes). Would an antihistamine help?
Brief Answer:
may be a combination
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The presence of excess wax can cause the obstruction of the ear or a feeling of fullness in the ear with reduced hearing.
This can also occur in eustachian tube dysfunction. The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx (upper part of the throat behind the nose).
It has a number of different functions including ventilation and pressure regulation of the middle ear.
It is also possible , since you note drainage of wax in the morning, that you have a combination of both of these conditions.
Since you have used different solutions to help with the wax, you may need to see your doctor for an assessment. If there is excess wax, it may need to be drained.
In terms of the eustachian tube dysfunction, you can try oral antihistamine combined with decongestants (topical and oral) to see if they have an effect.
In addition ,continue performing the maneuvers that you were doing (trying to unblock the ear).
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
may be a combination
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The presence of excess wax can cause the obstruction of the ear or a feeling of fullness in the ear with reduced hearing.
This can also occur in eustachian tube dysfunction. The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx (upper part of the throat behind the nose).
It has a number of different functions including ventilation and pressure regulation of the middle ear.
It is also possible , since you note drainage of wax in the morning, that you have a combination of both of these conditions.
Since you have used different solutions to help with the wax, you may need to see your doctor for an assessment. If there is excess wax, it may need to be drained.
In terms of the eustachian tube dysfunction, you can try oral antihistamine combined with decongestants (topical and oral) to see if they have an effect.
In addition ,continue performing the maneuvers that you were doing (trying to unblock the ear).
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
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
Answered by
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