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Is It Safe To Watch Movies While Suffering From Tinnitus?
Question: Hey dr,
I have been suffering with a blocked ear/tinnitus for about two weeks now following on from a cold the week before but i'm only having issues in my right ear. The doctor prescribed me Sofradex as when he looked in my ear it was quite swollen and he could barley see my eardrum because of the wax. That was about a week ago and I visited him today and he said the swelling has gone down a lot and that there wasnt much earwax anymore and that he could actually see my ear drum now. He said continue the drops for another week since I still have the blocked ear sensation and tinnitus. My question is that I was looking at going to the movies tomorrow and I was wondering should I wear an ear plug in the effected ear because of my tinnitus or would that be bad because of my ear swelling and the fact I am still on the drops 4x a day? What would I be better off doing and should I take a pandol before hand in case of pain I haven't had any pain thus far though?
Kind Regards,
XXXXX
I have been suffering with a blocked ear/tinnitus for about two weeks now following on from a cold the week before but i'm only having issues in my right ear. The doctor prescribed me Sofradex as when he looked in my ear it was quite swollen and he could barley see my eardrum because of the wax. That was about a week ago and I visited him today and he said the swelling has gone down a lot and that there wasnt much earwax anymore and that he could actually see my ear drum now. He said continue the drops for another week since I still have the blocked ear sensation and tinnitus. My question is that I was looking at going to the movies tomorrow and I was wondering should I wear an ear plug in the effected ear because of my tinnitus or would that be bad because of my ear swelling and the fact I am still on the drops 4x a day? What would I be better off doing and should I take a pandol before hand in case of pain I haven't had any pain thus far though?
Kind Regards,
XXXXX
Brief Answer:
Otitis Externa
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
I am sorry to hear that you have had trouble with your ear from Otitis Externa. You are concerned about going to a movie tomorrow and possible pain from the loud soundtrack hurting your ear. You don't need to wear any ear protection but I would recommend taking something with you if the sound is too loud. The sound tracks from movies can be quite loud and can irritate the eardrum if it is sensitive like it is now. I am also concerned about using the earplugs because of the swelling and it may actually cause more trouble if you use an ear plug that is inserted into the ear. You can use an earplug that is only on the outside of the ear but it will not block sounds as well as one inside the ear canal.
I think taking the pandol prior to the movie is a great idea.
In summary
1. OK to attend movie
2. Take along external ear plug if ear hurts
3. Pandol prior to movie
I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
Otitis Externa
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
I am sorry to hear that you have had trouble with your ear from Otitis Externa. You are concerned about going to a movie tomorrow and possible pain from the loud soundtrack hurting your ear. You don't need to wear any ear protection but I would recommend taking something with you if the sound is too loud. The sound tracks from movies can be quite loud and can irritate the eardrum if it is sensitive like it is now. I am also concerned about using the earplugs because of the swelling and it may actually cause more trouble if you use an ear plug that is inserted into the ear. You can use an earplug that is only on the outside of the ear but it will not block sounds as well as one inside the ear canal.
I think taking the pandol prior to the movie is a great idea.
In summary
1. OK to attend movie
2. Take along external ear plug if ear hurts
3. Pandol prior to movie
I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for the prompt reply doctor. One thing I noticed is that if I don't think about the tinnitus I don't seem to notice it at all until it's completely quite. In terms of pandol should I have one or two they are 500mg per tablet? Also I have attached a picture of the earplugs I have and when you say outside of the ear how exactly would you place it would it just not go directly into the ear canal but just sit on the outside?
Brief Answer:
Tinnitus
Detailed Answer:
Yes the ringing in your ears will be less noticeable when other sounds are competing for attention. This is actually the only way to treat tinnitus.
I did not get your image of the ear plug. As long as the earplug does not go deep in the ear it should be fine. I usually recommend using a cotton ball and place petroleum jelly in the cotton and place that outside of the ear canal helping to block sounds.
On the pandol dose 2 prior to the movies would work well.
Tinnitus
Detailed Answer:
Yes the ringing in your ears will be less noticeable when other sounds are competing for attention. This is actually the only way to treat tinnitus.
I did not get your image of the ear plug. As long as the earplug does not go deep in the ear it should be fine. I usually recommend using a cotton ball and place petroleum jelly in the cotton and place that outside of the ear canal helping to block sounds.
On the pandol dose 2 prior to the movies would work well.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I reattached them as reports, have a look if they came up. But they are basically just rubber earplugs that I brought from a local pharmacy and I have watched movies at home and I never really noticed any pain it just seem to be very sensitive when it goes quite and I have had it on loud volume before at times but not anywhere in comparison to a movie theater.
Brief Answer:
Do not use these earplugs
Detailed Answer:
I would recommend using these ear plugs as they can irritate the ear canal and push wax deeper into your ear.
Do not use these earplugs
Detailed Answer:
I would recommend using these ear plugs as they can irritate the ear canal and push wax deeper into your ear.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I was thinking the same thing should I just not worry about earplugs then I mean I don't really think I am going to get that much discomfort from the sounds too be honest I just wanted to be sure and the Pandols should help if there was pain. Is there a high chance that I could damage my hearing and make the tinnitus work I mean I could always go see the movie next week when it's improved more?
Brief Answer:
Movies and tinnitus
Detailed Answer:
Any loud music or sounds can make tinnitus worse and cause ear damage. But most movies are not so loud as to be deafening or cause significant damage.
I agree the ear plugs will probably not work well for you.I think the pandol will be sufficient to help with any pain.
Waiting a week is another option. It all depends on you and how much discomfort you are in.
Best wishes
Movies and tinnitus
Detailed Answer:
Any loud music or sounds can make tinnitus worse and cause ear damage. But most movies are not so loud as to be deafening or cause significant damage.
I agree the ear plugs will probably not work well for you.I think the pandol will be sufficient to help with any pain.
Waiting a week is another option. It all depends on you and how much discomfort you are in.
Best wishes
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
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