What causes clogged ears, hyperacusis, and tinnitus?
Hello doctor,
I have a clogged feeling in both ears, hyperacusis, and tinnitus 18 months after noise exposure. The initial event involved noise from a machine that lasted 20 minutes and immediately after that, I had severe pain in both ears, muffled hearing, tinnitus, headaches, dizziness, and a clogged or blocked sensation in both ears. Some symptoms have improved, but the clogged sensation has not resolved, and the hyperacusis and a tendency to find some sound are very irritating (even if not loud) has persisted. Is there anything I can do? I initially took Prednisolone for two weeks at 60 mg, and Betahistidine for about a month. I started the Prednisolone five days after the noise exposure. It did not seem to help. I have had several audiograms, and they do not show any dramatic hearing loss, for my age group (40s). I read that other medications might help such as medications that improve blood flow, like calcium channel blockers or Pentoxifylline, etc. Medications that affect the neurotransmitters, like Clonazepam, Baclofen, TCAs, etc., and medications that would help reduce any endolymphatic hydrops like Dyazide and other diuretics. Recently, I have been using a corticosteroid nasal spray in case eustachian tube issues are contributing to the problem. I tried various sound therapies, like listening to pink noise, but it did not help much. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is too expensive where I live, and probably would not help now, as it is 18 months since the event. I have attached some hearing tests, and I am wondering if there are any other tests I should do to try to pinpoint the problem. How about ABR, electrocochleography, Dpoae, and high-frequency audiogram? Please take a look at the tests that I attached, and let me know your suggestions. I also attached pictures of the ear canal, in case you see any issues.
16 May 2024 - 1 min read
What is the reason for the painful stone in my throat that smells bad and has a thin wall over it?
Hello doctor,
I have been having the problem of getting something stuck in my throat for a long time and a bad smell was also coming from time to time sores, etc. For the last six months pain and the stone is also visible on one side but the stone is not visible on the other side it hurts more there and for a few days I have tried to press with a finger but there is a thin skin wall next to the tonsil and it is like a tumor and the pain is also there so is it any serious problem?
Kindly help.
17 Jan 2024 - 1 min read
What are the reasons for having blocked and muffled ears following a COVID-19 infection?
Hello doctor,
My left ear feels blocked. I recently had a COVID-19 infection and in about three days, my ear began to feel muffled. There is nothing in my ear but when I look up it unblocks but if I look forward or bend down it gets blocked again. I experienced a similar issue about seven months back but last time my ear was just blocked, and I was not able to unblock it even if I looked up. Now, I have tried popping it, but it has been of no use. Please help.
11 Jan 2024 - 1 min read
Is HRCT of temporal bone sufficient for diagnosing lymph node enlargement?
Hi doctor,
I just underwent an HRCT of the temporal bone, because I had a lump under my neck. I consulted an eye, ear, and throat (ENT) doctor, and he suggested to do HRCT of the temporal bone. No impressions were seen. I am worried about whether I need to do a separate scan or something, or does the HRCT of the temporal bone is fine. The symptoms include a lump of around 1 inch under my right ear, and another lump of 0.6 inch under my left ear. Both are hard. And those are pretty much the symptoms. I have never smoked. Doctor, I am extremely worried and have not slept well for a week. Please tell me what to do. I have attached the PDF.
09 Jan 2024 - 1 min read
What causes lumps under the neck?
Hi doctor,
Thank you for providing all the information earlier. The sole symptom I am experiencing is a lump under my neck, with no other accompanying issues such as discharge or ear problems. The lump measures about 1 inch in size on the right side and approximately 0.6 inches on the left side. I occasionally sense a pulsing sensation in the right lump, but not in the left one.
Around two months ago, I had an ear infection and a minor scratch inside my ear, which was resolved with two days of medication. However, a persistent symptom I have been facing for over six months, exclusively on the right side, is that when I apply pressure to the neck by slightly lowering it (not using my hand, just adjusting my neck posture), it causes discomfort. Recently, this discomfort seems to be gradually subsiding, with the intensity of pain varying over time. Please help.
Thank you.
08 Jan 2024 - 1 min read
Otolaryngology (E.N.T)