Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Tinnitus Along With Plugged Sensation In The Ear?
Question: My left ear feels like it's plugged with a high pitched ringing. Came on over night. Otherwise no pain, no temp, feeling well.
Brief Answer:
If hearing affected, need to be assessed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The high pitched ringing is called tinnitus.
Tinnitus with the plugged sensation that starts acutely/suddenly is commonly due to an infection or sinusitis, which can be infectious or allergic. This occurs because a tube in the ear, called the eustachian tube, is not working as it should. It has different functions including regulating the pressure in the ear.
Some of the other causes would include- excess wax, trauma.
The absence of fever and feeling otherwise well make infection less likely.
Treatment can consist of the use of an antihistamine-decongestant combination eg zyrtec d or allegra d or claritine d or benadryl d. The d stands for decongestant and it is used even though there is no nasal congestion, it helps to open the sinuses and eustachian tube. The maneuver done on a plane when the ear feels plugged, called the valsava maneuver, may also be helpful. (hold nose and blow, trying to unplug ears)
If your hearing is affected significantly then you need to be assessed as soon as possible because acute hearing loss is always to be reported to a doctor for an assessment.
The reason is to rule out a problem with the nerves that help with hearing.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
If hearing affected, need to be assessed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The high pitched ringing is called tinnitus.
Tinnitus with the plugged sensation that starts acutely/suddenly is commonly due to an infection or sinusitis, which can be infectious or allergic. This occurs because a tube in the ear, called the eustachian tube, is not working as it should. It has different functions including regulating the pressure in the ear.
Some of the other causes would include- excess wax, trauma.
The absence of fever and feeling otherwise well make infection less likely.
Treatment can consist of the use of an antihistamine-decongestant combination eg zyrtec d or allegra d or claritine d or benadryl d. The d stands for decongestant and it is used even though there is no nasal congestion, it helps to open the sinuses and eustachian tube. The maneuver done on a plane when the ear feels plugged, called the valsava maneuver, may also be helpful. (hold nose and blow, trying to unplug ears)
If your hearing is affected significantly then you need to be assessed as soon as possible because acute hearing loss is always to be reported to a doctor for an assessment.
The reason is to rule out a problem with the nerves that help with hearing.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
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
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
