Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 7/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: hi
i have ear infection all the time, had a ear opration to fix this i think surgery was for ottitis. i also get headache near that area. i noticed everytime i get a headache i get discharge, even little bit. whenever i clean the ear, even little bit discharge the headache seems to clear up.
question is why is this, does the discharge go to area of the head/brain where headache comes and why little bit discharge cause problem.
thanks

ANSWER: Hi Syed,
It is very possible that the headaches you suffer are really from sinus infections. Your sinuses and middle ear are very closely related and if you get an infection in one, it can easily go to the other.  I would suggest that you visit an ear nose and throat specialist and have him check your sinuses.  You may need to have them flushed or be given some medications that can clear them up.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi,
thank you for the answer.
What sinus would you say it might be affected. is it the ethmoid  or Sphenoid or other. i want to ask my doctor about this so can can look into that. is a common thing to have this problem, someone with ear problem/discharge.
thank you.(help will be appreciated).


Answer
Hi Syed,
Because all the sinuses are linked, an infection in one can spread to the others and cause middle ear problems. The ethmoid is a common area since it is so close to the Eustachian tube, but, again, an infection can occur in any one and spread.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology