Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 6/23/2009

Question
A few weeks ago I had a horrible cold and ended up with an inner ear infection.  My hearing in my left ear was almost completely gone and I could hear swishing and ringing in that ear.  I also had clear fluid draining.  My Dr. was afraid I had a rupture and sent me to an ENT along with antibiotics.

The ENT said I did not have a rupture but I did have alot of fluid still behind my ear drums.  He told me that it would take time to clear and told me to come back in 3 weeks.  It has been 2 weeks and my ear has popped a few times, but has closed back up.  The draining has stopped but I can still hear the swishing of water.  My hearing is only slightly better.  Is there anything I can do in the mean time to help myself?  Would mucinix help?  I think he may have mentioned that to me as my sinuses were swollen.  I am beginning to worry that my hearing will never come back.

Answer
Hi Mary,

I am assuming you mean a middle ear, rather than inner ear, infection.  Fluid in the middle ear can last a long time even after the actual "infection" has cleared.  Swollen membranes are one reason for the fluid to remain.  Usually, in this case, the ENT would prescribe a nasal spray to shrink the membranes. There are also some over the counter sprays that can help, but since you are under the care of a physician who knows your history, I suggest you contact him and ask him his advice.

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