You are here:
Audiology/Otolaryngology/Ear Ringing
Advertisement
Question
Hi,
I have had ringing in my ear for about 2 weeks now. A week ago I went to the doctor and he said I had fluid in my ear,
and told me to take a Decongestant like Advil Cold and Sinus. He said the ringing should go away in about 5 days. I didn't get any better after taking advil cold and sinus 2 -3 times a day for the past week. The ringing is very low, as I can only hear it when I go to sleep, and I have no ear pain or anything like that. I am just wondering if what I am experiencing is normal, and should I continue taking the Advil or stop taking it? I checked on the Web and ear ringing seems to be one SIDE-EFFECT of Advil Cold and Sinus. I'm a bit confused here.
Hi Hala,
Have you checked with your doctor that your symptoms have not gotten better? Fluid in the middle ear can cause tinnitus, so, although it is not uncommon, any tinnitus is not normal. The decongestant sometimes can clear up the fluid by drying out the mucous membranes; however, sometimes it doesn't work. After a week, you need to return to the doctor and check if the fluid has cleared. If not, you may need some antibiotics and a prescription steroidal nasal spray.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D.
Expertise
I am a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology with 25 years of experience. I can answer questions regarding hearing loss, both general and specific, dizziness and vertigo, auditory processing disorders, hearing aids, aural rehabilitation as well as specialized audiologic testing, i.e., Auditory Brainstem Response, VideoNystagmography, Otoacoutic Emissions. I have worked with both pediatric and adult populations. Because of my extensive musical background, I am able to respond to questions regarding the special needs of musicians.
Experience
I have been an audiologist for over 25 years with a specialty in electrophysiology of the auditory and vestibular systems and pediatric evaluations. I currently work in my private consulting practice providing services to nursing homes and schools. My Doctoral research was on specialized techniques in Auditory Brainstem Responses.
Organizations
American Academy of Audiology, -
American Speech Language Hearing Association, -
Hearing Loss Association of America
Education/Credentials
Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology), Nova Southeastern University, 2000.
Board Certified Doctor of Audiology (American Board of Audiology)
Certificate in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.