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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Numbness, Congestion And Ringing In The Ear?

Hello, I was shooting fireworks about 30 minutes ago and one malfunctioned, blowing up approximately 12inches from my left ear. My ear has been ringing of course, but the ringing keeps getting louder off and on and when I talk I hear myself sounding almost robotic. Ear area feels numb and congested, is this all normal symptoms from ear trauma and if I should, how long should I wait to see a doc? No bleeding, no pain, no dizziness.
posted on Sat, 9 Jul 2016
Twitter Fri, 11 Oct 2019 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 15 Oct 2019 Last reviewed on
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

1. The most common cause for such ear numbness or pain would be an odd position while sleeping or pressure on the ear cartilage after sleeping in the same position for an extended period of time.

2. Other common causes would include:
a. Ear wax build-up.
b. Ear infections including early herpes zoster oticus (usually with a rash in the ear canal).
c. Referred sensations from a large area of the head, neck and beyond (due to common nerve supply).
d. Nutritional deficiencies and so on.

3. It is important to get the ear examined if this happens often. Other wise it may be ignored. I must emphasize that a serous cause is unlikely.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards,
Dr. Iven Romic Rommstein, General Surgeon
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What Causes Numbness, Congestion And Ringing In The Ear?

Hi, 1. The most common cause for such ear numbness or pain would be an odd position while sleeping or pressure on the ear cartilage after sleeping in the same position for an extended period of time. 2. Other common causes would include: a. Ear wax build-up. b. Ear infections including early herpes zoster oticus (usually with a rash in the ear canal). c. Referred sensations from a large area of the head, neck and beyond (due to common nerve supply). d. Nutritional deficiencies and so on. 3. It is important to get the ear examined if this happens often. Other wise it may be ignored. I must emphasize that a serous cause is unlikely. I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them. Regards, Dr. Iven Romic Rommstein, General Surgeon