Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 4/4/2009

Question
I hope you can help me with some advise.

A few months ago i noticed that if i were to remove wax from my ear i would be left with a blocked feeling in the ear, it was as though i had caused some kind of pressure that stayed within my ear. This would last for a short time only.

Over the last few weeks i noticed that i could elicit the same sesation by placing slight pressure under the external section of my ear (where the lobe meets my face. Now the blocked  sensation is permanent but gets alot worst if i place any pressure in this area.

The contributing factors i can think of is that i clench my jaw alot during the night and possibly grind my teeth. I also get intermittent tingles on the left side of my face and am being investigated for trigeminal neuralgia.
Based on my gross assessments of my hearing, i belevie that i am experiencing slight hearning loss in the left ear also.

I am concerned that the level of blockage / hearing loss seems to have progressed quite quickly over a period of a few months.

Thankyou in advance for your reply and advice.

Answer
Hi Monica,
I'm not sure what you are asking, but my suggestions are to seek the advice of an ear specialist and have your hearing evaluated.  You may also wish to consult a dentist that specializes in Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder, as your description seems to fit this.  

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