How Can Tinnitus And A Feeling Of Fullness In The Ears After Attending A Loud Concert Be Managed Despite Taking A Steroid Shot And Claritin-D?

Posted on Wed, 24 Apr 2024

Question: I went to a short concert not realizing how loud the music was going to be played. After the concert my ears were ringing. It has been one week and they are still ringing. However, I have dealt with really bad allergies that have given me issues with my ears. I went to a walk in clinic and they said that I have fluid behind my ears. They gave me a steroid shot. I have tried Claritin D and also a Netti pot as well. Today my ears feel very full and are somewhat painful and still have a ringing sensation. I want to make sure this isn't something more serious or just related to the allergies.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get audiological investigations done

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

The noise in the ears following brief exposure to the loud sound is usually transient and weans off after few hours. In your case,it has been there for quite a while now, which warrants further investigation.

You need to get audiological investigations such as puretone audiometry and tympanometry for confirmation of fluid inside the middle ear and the cause of tinnitus.

Meanwhile, you need to use intranasal steroid spray and nasal decongestant such as xylometazoline to relieve the congestion around the Eustachian tube. Do steam inhalation and drink frequent sips of warm water.

Hope this answers your query. Revert back to me if you have any follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

I have been using Flonaise as well. Would that be the same as the nasal spray you mentioned?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, you can continue with Flonase nasal spray

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

Yes, Flonase is an intranasal steroid nasal spray. It is a potent intranasal steroid spray which can reduce the nasal and Eustachian tube congestion. Please continue using Flonase spray along with the other measures mentioned in my earlier response.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (32 hours later)

I picked up some Afrin and used it yesterday and will use again today. I also have the Flonase. Is it OK to use them both together? In addition, should I take a Claritin to try to resolve the systems quicker? The ringing is still present today with fullness in my ears. I have scheduled a ENT visit for next week but wanted to make sure that I wasn't making anything worse. I also have a lot of pressure in my forehead and around my nose. Thank you for your help.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Flonase and Afrin should not be used simultaneously

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

Flonase and Afrin should not be used simultaneously.

Flonase should be used in the morning as soon as you get up from the bed and the Afrin should be used at least an hour after using the Flonase nasal spray.

Afrin should be used 3 times a day, followed by steam inhalation. Drink frequent sips of warm water.

Avoid Claritin. Claritin causes dryness of the nasal mucosa, thus causing stasis of the secretions and delay in the healing process.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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. Prasad