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What Causes Sudden Hearing Loss?

Posted on Thu, 7 Sep 2017

Question: Having trouble with my right ear. Went to ENT and they said there wasn't any sign of fluid or infection. It feels like my ear is slightly full and muffled with noticeable hearing loss and causing me high anxiety on if this will ever go away. They did hearing test and found right ear was lower than the left, left was excellent and right in normal range but much lower. they also found a lot of movement of ear drum when pressure applied and doctor thought it was the large odd vibrations on that ear drum causing the sensations and it was something the brain would just have to get used to but unlikely to get any better. I have a hard time thinking I have to live with this, it's hard to function. Is there any other possible cause or remedy?

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

Brief Answer:
Could you please forward the audiology reports...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

Sense of ear block with reduced hearing, in the absence of any infection or fluid in the ear, could be due to various reasons. To name a few, Eustachian tube dysfunction, Temporomandibular joint disorder, etc.

Do not worry! As your doctor has ruled out infection, the other possibilities mentioned above has to be ruled out. If you could pass on the audiology reports, I can help you in a better way.

Awaiting for your reply...

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (33 hours later)

I uploaded two reports, one from a hearing test in 2012 and the other was the most recent one- dates are in the top corner. The one in 2012 was when i had tubes in my ears with better and more equal hearing in both ears and the recent one was with worst hearing in my right ear.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (27 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hearing sensitivity well with-in normal limits

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back and my sincere apologies for the delayed reply.

1. I have gone through both the audiological reports and the hearing sensitivity is well within the normal limits. The 'Ad' curve seen in the tympanometry is not very significant as the hearing in both the ears is within the normal range.

2. As I had mentioned in my earlier response, in the presence of normal hearing, the sensation of ear block could be due to various reasons. The commonest conditions include Temporomandibular joint disorder, Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease, Paraspinal muscle spasms, Myoclonus, Edematous nasal end of Eustachian tube, etc.

3. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy and indirect laryngoscopy are required to look for any subtle changes around the Eustachian tube and rule out any lesions occupying the Eustachian tube.

4. Yes, your condition is definitely treatable if the cause is identified.

Hope this clarifies your doubt; wish you good health.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Wow, thanks for the detailed response! I do have a feeling it has something to do with my Eustachian tube and I am getting it checked on monday via an MRI. Would an MRI be all that I need to rule out any possible causes of my ear issue?

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

Brief Answer:
MRI may be helpful in identifying any swellings around the Eustachian tube

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

MRI may not pick subtle changes in the Eustachian tube, as such. But, any changes around the nasal end of the Eustachian tube opening will definitely be picked up.

Many a times, the remnant of adenoids in adults can cause problems in the ear. Also, silent acid reflux without any chest symptoms can lead to inflammation around the nasal end of the Eustachian tube.

Kindly keep us updated about your MRI scan. Wish you good health

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

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee