question-icon

How Can A Clogged Right Ear Causing Hearing Issues Be Treated?

default
Posted on Wed, 16 Aug 2017
Question: My right ear often feels clogged and sounds muffled when I talk. I have to yawn to make it pop. I also hear popping sounds when I swallow and fluttering sounds sometimes. I have no ear pain, but I have sinus congestion often. I went to the doctor a couple weeks ago and he said I have no ear infection and no fluid behind ear that he could see, but he said my nasal passages were swollen and I had post nasal drip and conjestion. My head also sounds hollow when I tap it (Like when you water in your ear after swimming and you tap it and it sounds hollow). That really scares me. Is that related to all this or is something more serious like a tumor? If it is fluid in my ear, then why didn't the doctor see any fluid? What can I do to help it go away if it is from fluid build up?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
may be eustachian tube dysfunction

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Based on the symptoms mentioned, you may have eustachian tube dysfunction. It does not sound like a tumor.

The eustachian tube is found in the ear, it links the middle ear to a certain aspect at the back of the throat.

It has different functions including: (1)ventilating and regulating the pressure in the middle ear
(2)protection of the middle ear from secretions
(3)clearance or drainage of middle ear secretions to the back of the throat

Eustachian tube dysfunction (abnormal function of the eustachian tube) can occur in different conditions including sinus disease.


Treatment typically consist of meds that you may be using already for your sinuses- decongestants, antihistamines and topical nasal steroids such as nasonex,nasocort, flonase.
Continuing trying to inflate the eustachian tube may also help (trying to pop the ears)

There are surgical options but these are only used if there is no improvement with medications.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
How Can A Clogged Right Ear Causing Hearing Issues Be Treated?

Brief Answer: may be eustachian tube dysfunction Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Based on the symptoms mentioned, you may have eustachian tube dysfunction. It does not sound like a tumor. The eustachian tube is found in the ear, it links the middle ear to a certain aspect at the back of the throat. It has different functions including: (1)ventilating and regulating the pressure in the middle ear (2)protection of the middle ear from secretions (3)clearance or drainage of middle ear secretions to the back of the throat Eustachian tube dysfunction (abnormal function of the eustachian tube) can occur in different conditions including sinus disease. Treatment typically consist of meds that you may be using already for your sinuses- decongestants, antihistamines and topical nasal steroids such as nasonex,nasocort, flonase. Continuing trying to inflate the eustachian tube may also help (trying to pop the ears) There are surgical options but these are only used if there is no improvement with medications. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions