Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 3/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: About a week in a half ago, I came down with a bad cold, I started taking a Z pak, most of my cold was all sinus, I am on my last day of the antibiotics, and my left ear still feels like it needs to pop, it feels like I have water in my ear, just stuffy and fullness. I have blown my nose alot, and I wondered if I damaged my eardrum in some way. I did have a bit of pain in the begining, maybe when I did the damage, but now it is just a fullness, and very uncomfortable. Not really experiencing any dizziness, or any othe effects, just still a bit of a cold.

ANSWER: Hi Jodi,
You need to return to your ENT and have your hearing checked, especially your middle ear. It is possible that there is fluid in the middle ear, not uncommon after a sinus infection.  The Z-pack may clear up the infection, but it is still possible that the fluid in the middle ear remains. If that is the case, the ENT may prescribe a nasal spray to help open up the Eustachian Tube, a small tube leading from your nose to your ears that helps to drain fluid.  Sometimes the ET remains closed after a sinus infection and any fluid cannot drain.

Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology

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

QUESTION: Is there a spray I can get over the counter that will do the same as a $150 Dr visit?
Thank you for your time

Answer
Hi Jodi,
I am sorry, but it is not within my expertise - nor would it be ethical or even legal - to recommend any type of medication, even OTC, unless you are evaluated by a physician.

As I said, you need a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology