Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 9/24/2009

Question
Hi,

A very dear friend of mine has unfortunately gotten herself mixed up in a bit of a mess and is in jail right now.  She is having some problems, which she has seem the nurse about, but the medical care in the detention facility is quite sub-par.  The nurse spent less than five minutes with her and told her she had one ear clogged with earwax, then didn't do anything to help.  Also, we aren't sure that that is the problem to begin with.  I asked her several questions about her symptoms so that I could give you as much information as possible to begin with, but if you could tell us what might be wrong (and what can be done with the limited resources she has in the detention facility) we would be extremely grateful.  It began several weeks ago - she says the dull earache started off very badly and has gradually gotten better over time.  She hears bubbles in her right ear (which she notices most after she showers and/or swallows).  It is a rapid-fire, explosive popping - similar to the bubbles in soda popping.  Her right ear aches a little, but hardly any - mainly the ache is in the left ear.  Randomly, she is dizzy and off-balance but that has decreased along with the aching decreasing.  She experiences ringing in both ears at different times, but it is more intense in the right ear.  She experiences random hearing loss ONLY in the right ear.  She does not have any sensation of pressure or fluid in her ears.  During the dizzy spells, she sees bright dots in her vision.  I know this is a long, detailed question...  Thank you for your time!

Answer
Hi Lexie,
I really do not know how to answer this question.  Your friend obviously needs to consult a neurologist.  It sounds as if she may be having migraines...or something more serious. It also sounds as if she is experiencing Eustachian tube problems which need to be treated. I really do not know what can be done if the detention facility does not allow her access to a physician.  Perhaps your friend needs to discuss her issues with the Warden and/or her lawyer.  Other than that, there is really not much more I can offer you.

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