I Have Been To A Couple Different Dr%E2%80%99s Because Of

Posted on Sat, 31 Aug 2019

Question: I have been to a couple different Dr%E2%80%99s because of the extremely loud ringing in my left ear and one Dr said I had meniere%E2%80%99s disease and another Dr said I didnt have that it was just TMJ. I am having extremely loud ringing in my left ear along with the clogged/muffled feeling making it hard to hear and occasional dizziness/nausea. I thought it was just fluid stuck behind my ear drum again so I%E2%80%99ve taken a steroid pack to try to dry out the ear and make the ringing stop but it has not worked. Its been like this for at least a week now and I%E2%80%99m struggling with what I need to do next. Need help please

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Details as discussed below:

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. Get a Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) and and Impedance Audiometry (Tympanometry or I/A) done, If these are normal, there is no middle ear problem such as fluid behind the ear drum.

2. If clenching the teeth changes your tinnitus (ringing in the ear), then it is possible that your TMJs are involved. Tenderness over the TMJs and neck muscles, bruxism may also be present. Using a Night Guard (Dental Splint) for a few months, anti-inflammation medication, hot fomentation, chewing on both sides of the jaw are some of the measures than will relieve the symptoms.

3. In Meniere's Disease, there are many diagnostic criteria. These can be discussed after you get the above tests done.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

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. Kampana