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Suggest Treatment For Blocked Ears And Tinnitus

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Posted on Thu, 28 Jan 2016
Question: Hi dr,

The past couple of days I have been waking up with a blocked ear with a bit of tinnitus. Now last year I had this issue quite a lot and antibiotics or ear drops didn't solve it. The blockage eventually went away. Now there isnt much pain associated with the blocked ear only if I rub it. So would you have any suggestions to ease the blocked feeling?

Kind Regards,
xxxxxxxx
doctor
Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Nasal decongestant, steam inhalation, valsalva exercise

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome.
I have gone through your query.

Tinnitus can be caused by inner ear problems or problems of the eustachian tubes.
The most common cause of tinnitus is eustachian tube dysfunction. The eustachain tubes connect the ear to the nose. Blockage of these tubes results in fall in the middle ear pressure resulting in tinnitus. Eustachian tubes get blocked due to allergy or infections.

I would like to know do you have cold or sinusitis?

Eustachian tube dysfuction usually gets corrected on its own in a few days. I would start you on decongestant nose drops to open the tubes. Instill 3 drops of otrivin in each nostril 3 times a day for 6 days and follow it up with steam inhalation with few drops of eucalyptus oil in it. You can also do valsalva exercise daily to open the tubes, details of the exercise can be found on youtube. Drink lots of water especially warm water and stay away from air conditioned rooms.
With this measures you should be good.

If it persists after 4 to 5 days, or your symptoms intensifies, I would suggest you to see ENT specialist.

This provisional advice provided by me is based entirely on the input provided to me. I would suggest examination by the doctor.

I hope this suggestion might be of some help to you.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Harish Naik (51 minutes later)
I haven't had any colds but I have had a few cases of hayfever and I have been around air conditioned rooms at work so that may be a cause of it.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Avoid air conditioned room for few days.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome.
I would suggest you to avoid air conditioner as much as possible for few days. And do follow the above mentioned measures, there should be improvement.

Hope this helps.
Take care
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
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Answered by
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Dr. Harish Naik

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2635 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Blocked Ears And Tinnitus

Brief Answer: Nasal decongestant, steam inhalation, valsalva exercise Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome. I have gone through your query. Tinnitus can be caused by inner ear problems or problems of the eustachian tubes. The most common cause of tinnitus is eustachian tube dysfunction. The eustachain tubes connect the ear to the nose. Blockage of these tubes results in fall in the middle ear pressure resulting in tinnitus. Eustachian tubes get blocked due to allergy or infections. I would like to know do you have cold or sinusitis? Eustachian tube dysfuction usually gets corrected on its own in a few days. I would start you on decongestant nose drops to open the tubes. Instill 3 drops of otrivin in each nostril 3 times a day for 6 days and follow it up with steam inhalation with few drops of eucalyptus oil in it. You can also do valsalva exercise daily to open the tubes, details of the exercise can be found on youtube. Drink lots of water especially warm water and stay away from air conditioned rooms. With this measures you should be good. If it persists after 4 to 5 days, or your symptoms intensifies, I would suggest you to see ENT specialist. This provisional advice provided by me is based entirely on the input provided to me. I would suggest examination by the doctor. I hope this suggestion might be of some help to you. Take care.