Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 1/16/2009

Question
I have had a chest infection and have now been left with hissing and clicking in right ear, have been to the doc 3 times and been told 3 different things.  I was given antibiotic spray first time and then given drop to clear wax but when I went back the third time I was told the ear canal was inflamed and that there was no wax in the ear.  I have been given Locorten Vioform but it doesn't seem to be making much difference.  Will I be left with this horrendous hissing and feeling that I have a glass over my ear and hearing affected?  My mother has tinitus, and I am extremely worried I have the same?

Answer
Hi Elaine,
Any sound in the ear that is not caused by something in the environment is tinnitus.  There are different types of tinnitus and, depending on the cause, the tinnitus may be temporary or permanent.
The clicking sound may be due to a couple of things: it may be due to either a malfunctioning Eustachian tube or to contractions of a small muscle in the middle ear.
You say you have been to a doctor.  Was this an ear specialist (ENT) or a general physician?  You need to be evaluated by an ENT and have your hearing evaluated by an audiologist.
Without knowing the cause of the tinnitus, I am unable to know whether or not your tinnitus will resolve.  If it doesn't, there are several treatment options that you can discuss with your doctor or audiologist.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology