Tinnitus and Fluid Behind the Eardrum

Need to find out if anyone had a similar experience.

My tinnitus started a week ago and I went to an ENT.

Did a wax clean up in the right ear and was sent for an audio test that showed that my hearing was normal at age 50.

5 day after that my tinnitus became louder and l went back to the ENT that prescribed sinus meds as well as 2 cortisone pills.

Took them for 2 days and my ears where completely blocked today and tinnitus still louder.

Went back to the ENT today and after an examination discovered fluid in the left ear where the tinnitus is loudest.

I was put on an antibiotic today and am booked in for surgery on Monday morning to have a grommet inserted in the left ear to drain the excess fluid as the Eustachian tube is blocked.

My question is will the T diminish when the procedure is done. Any one have a similar experience.

Thank You

 

Yes. It should diminish once your ears become drained or unclogged, but there is no exact way of knowing. What surprises is that they gave you antibiotics today and already scheduled you for a surgery, without waiting to see if the antibiotics help. It could be a usual middle ear infection, and antibiotics are usually enough.

 

Thank you for your response . I will phone and enquire this aspect with him.

 

Hi Mojozz,

Do you have any pain associated with your Eustachian tube blockage? Sometimes a warm compress helps. Also to help drain sometimes it helps to sleep with your head slightly elevated with two pillows or whatever is most comfortable.

I have been meaning to respond sooner. Having the blockage for me was so unnerving. Sounds were all garbled and my own voice seemed so - weird. Sorta makes you feel a bit of panic. And my tinnitus was increased.

Did you have any issues before going to the first specialist? I know you wrote you experienced tinnitus. But did you sense any other symptoms leading to the blockage before your ears were cleared of the wax?

It seems like so far your doctor has taken the right steps. But I agree with Elinor about waiting to see if this course of antibiotics clears any of the infection/blockage.

From the beginning you may have been having a slight sinus infection?

I am not sure if your tinnitus will completely vanish if you have the surgery. I would assume it would improve though.
When I have such blockage after a sinus infection or cold I have been prescribed the antibiotic which seemed to clear the issue.

Please keep us informed on what happens.

And use your gut instincts. If you think you need a second opinion get one. If you are confident with your doctor on this just discuss your options on drying up the liquid build up in your eustachian tube.

 

The tinnitus started suddenly and that is when l went to see the Ent. However for a long time now my front sinus were blocked . Since been on the cortisone and antibiotic it all seems to be clearing up . My breathing is much better . Not sure if the Eustachian tubes are blocked besides the fluid behind the ear. Been coughing up a lot as well. Just the second day on the antibiotic and it seems to be working . Will see how it goes till the weekend then decide if l will proceed with the op . Thank you for your response and l will keep you posted .

 

How are you Mojozz? Did you have the surgery today or did things clear up for you?

 

Fortunately not . Seen an experienced ENT on Tues . Said the op was totally unnecessary and would not have made any difference . Sent for CT scan and hearing test again . Hearing test normal for my age with low pitch hearing lost . So in the left ear slight nerve damage due to age causing tinnitus and right ear l have tensor tympani. Been prescribed .5mg of rivotril for 6 weeks . Been on it for 3 days and boy it's amazing the difference . Tinnitus has alarmist diminished and twitching has subsided very much to . Need to do a follow up in 3 weeks . Feeling much better . Thank for following up. Just to add l have been under stress the last 2 months as my 17 year old son had major heart surgery and was hospitalised for 2 months .

 

Oh Mojozz my thoughts go out to you and your family. Having your son go through such a serious heart surgery and being in the hospital for so long is very stressful. I send him and you both good vibes that will help him recover and be healthy.

Glad you are feeling better with your symptoms. You are taking the right steps and directions.

Hope you check back in soon. I may check in with you here on this thread if that is okay....

Hugs,

Jen