Audiology/Otolaryngology/muffled hearing unilateral

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 8/4/2008


Question
One month ago I developed pain in the left ear area near my face. MD thought I may be developing shingles. Now I have developed muffled hearing in that ear along with pain.Pain in mainly just an ache that doesnt extend into my face. I do have a stiff neck on that side. Pain doesnt occur with eating, talking or brushing teeth. Second visit to md- now on ceclor for 10 days.  My ears were clear, with good eardrum movement. Both ear pressures were normal. Thank you for the information. Glenna

Answer
Hi Glenna,
Did you see an ENT?  or just a regular internist?  Also, did you have your hearing tested as well.  Was there any loss?  With the pain and the muffled feeling, it could be any number of things from  Temporal Mandibular Joint disorder to mastoiditis to an infection in a gland to a growth on the nerve. If, after the course of ceclor you aren't better, you probably should get an MRI.  If the MRI doesn't show anything and you are still experiencing the muffled feeling, your doctor should also consider an Auditory Brainstem Response evaluation which would assess the integrity of the auditory nerve.  This is definitely something to discuss with your MD.
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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