Audiology/Otolaryngology/Post-Cold Ear Ringing

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 3/19/2009


Question
I had a cold and am left with a ringing ear. One doc said try nasal spray and my other doc said try Claritin-D and if that doesn't work, I may be stuck with the ringing.  Apparently I have no ear infection, but it was sensitive to her otoscope when she was poking around in there.  Will the Claritin-D help or should I be also thinking of something else?  I've had the ringing for about a month.  To be honest, I didn't last a week on the nasal spray--made me a little racy.  If it may work, I'll try it again.  Just starting the Claritin-D.  Thanks much....

Answer
Hi Kara,
It is possible that the ringing may not be entirely due to the cold.  You need to have your hearing checked and evaluated by an audiologist.  After the evaluation, you will be able to see if there is anything that may be causing the ringing, for instance fluid, or nerve damage.

Here is a great site with a lot of information which will also help:  www.ata.org.

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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