Audiology/Otolaryngology/draining my right ear

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 11/23/2008


Question
After seeing my regular MD, a chiropractor and an ENT I have been on two rounds of antibiotics, been given a steroid shot, prescribed a decongestant (makes me soo sleepy) and antidiziness medicine(impaired my ability to drive so I quit taking).  Luckily the dizziness has subsided for the most part but the fluid remains in my right ear and feels like it is going in my lymph nodes.
Any ideas on how to drain the fluid?  Should I be massaging, putting moist heat on my ear?  Tube is not blocked and in place per my doctor Wednesday....

Answer
Hi Sara,
Has your ENT seen the fluid still in your ear? Or do you just feel as if you still have fluid? If the tube is in place and not blocked, the fluid should have drained out through the tube.  Are you protecting your ear when you shower?  You must make sure you do not get any water in that ear. I also do not understand your feeling that the fluid is going into your lymph nodes.  Lymph nodes contain lymphatic fluid and the nodes themselves can become swollen when you have an infection.  Sometimes, even after the infection is gone, the node may be swollen. I think you need to talk to your ENT and address your concerns with him.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology

Audiology/Otolaryngology

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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

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