Question:
I have lost a lot of my hearing. I also have a running ear on one side (liquid comes out of the ear). Are there any cures or surgery out there? Thanks.
Answer:
Ear drainage suggests that there is an ongoing infection or problem. It should be evaluated. There is a good chance that surgery could be a solution.
Question: My name is Don, 43 had an ear infection in both ears. Started in my left ear and my family doctor gave me ear drops than my right ear got infected. So the doctor prescribed antibiotics. The infection went down but she prescribed another round of antibiotics. The infection went away now I have a post ear infection echo. She prescribed steroids, but still the echo still there. Then I went to an ENT and she gave me steroid injection. It’s been 4 day now an I’m still have the echo noises. From the day I had an infection it now it’s been 7 weeks. Also, I had no pain during my infection. Please help.
Answer:
Thank you for your question. I wish I could give you an easy answer. There are three different types of ear infections all of which could cause a post ear infection echo. An infection in the outer ear- otitis externa, (ear canal), the middle ear- otitis media (where the hearing bones are) and the inner ear (where the hearing nerve is). Each has a different presentation, a different set of symptoms, a different cause and different treatment.
An outer ear infection (otitis externa) is an infection of the skin lined tube which makes up the ear canal. This is often called swimmer’s ear. There will frequently be pain when you pull on your ear lobe. It is generally treated with ear drops and keeping the ear dry.
A middle ear infection (otitis media) is caused by a blocking of the tube that drains fluid from the space behind the ear drum. This is common in children, or in adults after flying with a cold. There is usually a hearing loss associated. It is frequently, but not always painful, and pulling on the ear does not cause discomfort. It is usually treated with antibiotics and nasal sprays or decongestants to open up the eustachian tube that drains the middle ear.
An inner ear infection is usually caused by a viral infection of the nerve. It can cause a sudden hearing loss, spinning vertigo, or both. There usually is no pain It is generally treated with steroids- either by mouth or now by injection into the ear. (trans-tympanic steroid injection)
I am not sure which type of infection you have- or perhaps a combination of more than one. If you had a steroid injection, it sounds likely that this was an inner ear infection. I would speak to your ENT doctor further so that you can get a better understanding of what has been going on and what your treatments for your ear infection echo.
Of course, if you’re in the area, we would be more than happy to see you here at the NY Otolaryngology Group and help clear things up. Bringing any hearing test you might have had would be quite helpful.
Robert L Pincus MD
NY Otolaryngology Group
Question: I have had this ear infection for more than a week. It causes me headaches, and the pain on both of my ears is unbearable. I was hoping you could help me by telling me the possible causes of this ear infection pain.
Answer:
I wish I could give you an answer without knowing more about your problem. Unfortunately, there are many different causes of ear pain. Most can also cause facial pain as well.
An outer ear infection is a skin infection of the ear canal. Often, there can be a discharge, but not always. Typically, pulling hard on one’s ear lobe will be painful if that is the problem. This usually is treated with ear drops.
A middle ear infection is an infection in the space behind the eardrum. That typically comes with nasal congestion, such as from a cold, or can occur with the change in pressure- such as in airplane flights. Usually, the hearing will be diminished, and you won’t be able to “pop” your ears- that is opening the eustachian tube that goes to the back of the nose from the ear. It is usually (but now not always) treated with antibiotics and medications to open the nasal passages.
An inner ear infection is deep to these structures, commonly viral, and frequently presents with a hearing loss, with or without feeling dizzy.
There are also noninfectious causes of ear and facial pain.
Commonly people can have persistent pain in the ear and face from the jaw joint. That is the space just in front of the ear. If you push there and open and close your jaw, people with such problems, (TMJ) will experience tenderness and often pain. This pain can be quite severe (think of your back “going out”) and typically is worse with chewing. That is treated with warm compresses, a soft diet, and an anti-inflammatory such as Advil or Aleve.
Finally, one can have what we call “referred ear pain.” That is like when someone has a heart attack, and they get left shoulder pain. The nerves that go to the throat also go to the ear, so something like a bad sore throat, or rarely a tumor, can cause ear pain.
Unfortunately, it seems like the best idea would be to have your ear examined by someone who can help you find out which problem you have.
Robert Pincus MD
Co-director NY Sinus Center
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