Audiology/Otolaryngology/hearing fluid in the ears

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 5/15/2008


Question
my co-worker's 14 year old son recently recovered from ear infections and everything seemed fine until a few days ago he started complaining about hearing fluid in his ears. he has been to the doctor and they say there is nothing wrong with his ears. he still complains that he can hear "swishing" sounds in his ears and it is affecting his hearing - what could be causing this sound and how can it be corrected?

Answer
Hi Leah,
It's very possible that "swishing" sound is being cause by a dysfunction in his Eustachian tube.  The Eustachian tube is a little tube that connects from the middle ear to the nose and helps in maintaining proper pressure in the ears. It is possible that the malfunctioning Eustachian tube is the reason he had the ear infection in the first placve. Your co-worker's son should be seen by an Ear specialist and have his hearing tested by an Audiologist, who can also test his Eustachian tube. A poorly functioning Eustachian tube can be treated usually with medication.  If not treated, it can lead to more infections.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified Doctor of 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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