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Audiology/Otolaryngology/ringing in right ear, sound muffled

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 9/19/2009


Question
About five days ago I woke up and my right ear was plugged up.  Muffled sound and a little ringing.  I swabbed it with a q-tip and used ear drops and a bulb syringe and got some of the ear wax out of it... but it never "popped."  As the days go on, no improvement has been noticed.  I tried peroxide and that seemed to make it worse.  There is no pain really, just a muffled sound quality that makes me feel like I'm wearing a spacesuit.  Is there any kind of home remedy I can do or do I have to see a doctor?  I don't have insurance and really don't have the money to pay to have my ears cleaned... trying to avoid that option.  Also, I have tubed put in both ears when I was 6 years old because my ear canals were narrow (I think), and I had chronic ear infections off and on until I was about 18.  

Thanks,

Ben

Answer
Hi Ben,
You very possibly made matters worse by trying your home remedies, especially by using a Q-tip.  You may have even possibly ruptured your eardrum.  It is time to see a doctor and have your ear examined and fixed. With your history, you really need to take better care of your ears. Hearing is the most important sense and it is worth the money to take care of your ears.

Hope this helps.
Dr. 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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