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Question
2 years ago I had a bad cold. At one point when I sneezed both of my ears popped. It was wonderful to eleviate some of the cloudiness + pressure in my head. However when I fell asleep for the night and woke up the next day, my right ear felt muffly and clogged. I've since gone to my regular doctor and an ENT who can find nothing wrong. There isn't wax build up, the estachian tubes are fine, and I was on a couple of rounds of anitbiotics. I got a clean bill of health. I hear fine. Why then though does the right side of my head still feel clogged and muffly 2 years later? I've tried over the counter meds. Nothing works. It's driving me crazy. Sometimes it feels like my right ear is in a tunnel.
Hi Dolly,
When you went to the ENT, were you given a complete audiological evaluation including a test of Eustachian Tube function? If not, then you need to have this done. The symptom you describe is usually a sign of Eustachian tube dysfunction; the ET is either chronically closed or chronically open. Another possibility is a disorder in the movement of the jaw joint, known as Temporal Mandibular Joint disorder. The latter can be diagnosed by either the ENT or your dentist. Here is a great site that gives information on these conditions: http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/disorders/symptoms/etdysfunction.htm
I suggest that you return to your ENT and discuss these with him.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you so much for your quick reply. My ENT did a thorough exam using a camera and probe through my nose to check for blockages but I don't know if that was an Eustachian Tube function check. I will certainly contact him for further information. I will take this information that you've provided me back to my ENT as well as research it further. Thank you so much for your assistance! | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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