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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Ear Blockage And Ringing Due To Build Up Of Wax?

Lately, I find that one of my ears gets "blocked" now and then. It feels like when water gets into the ear when you swim. It feels very uncomfortable, with a sort of ringing in the blocked year which feels as if one is partially deaf. Could it be because of build up of wax? or because of "loose hairs" in the ear canal (epithilliam cells(?)
Mon, 30 Dec 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear,

The symptoms as mentioned in your post suggest that you might be having Otitis media (infection/inflammation of the middle ear) most probably Serous Otitis media.

In this condition, the middle ear cavity gets filled with serous fluid, resulting in bulging of tympanic membrane (eardrum) & interference with transmission of sound resulting in conductive hearing loss.
Moreover, there is a connecting tract (known as Eustachian tube) between the middle ear & nasopharynx, obstruction of which can lead to sensation of blockage in ear & pain by un-equalisation of pressure.

Local examination of the ear along with tests like Audiometry & Tympanometry will help in clinching the diagnosis.
Depending upon this, further steps for management can be taken.
So, it will be better to consult an ENT specialist for further evaluation.

Wishing you a Good Health.
Take care.
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Is Ear Blockage And Ringing Due To Build Up Of Wax?

Hello dear, The symptoms as mentioned in your post suggest that you might be having Otitis media (infection/inflammation of the middle ear) most probably Serous Otitis media. In this condition, the middle ear cavity gets filled with serous fluid, resulting in bulging of tympanic membrane (eardrum) & interference with transmission of sound resulting in conductive hearing loss. Moreover, there is a connecting tract (known as Eustachian tube) between the middle ear & nasopharynx, obstruction of which can lead to sensation of blockage in ear & pain by un-equalisation of pressure. Local examination of the ear along with tests like Audiometry & Tympanometry will help in clinching the diagnosis. Depending upon this, further steps for management can be taken. So, it will be better to consult an ENT specialist for further evaluation. Wishing you a Good Health. Take care.