OpenHealth Q&A

Understanding My Father's Disturbing Symptoms: Ear Health or Mental Health?

Greetings, everyone. I am reaching out for guidance regarding my father, a 54-year-old man from India, who is experiencing some troubling health issues. **Height:** 175 cm **Weight:** 90 kg **Main Concern:** Persistent itching in his ear and sensations of vibrations while attempting to sleep, leading to a heightened heart rate and disturbed rest. In 2022, my father began noticing an itch in his right ear accompanied by mild pain. Soon after, pus started oozing from the ear. Upon examination, it was discovered that his eardrum had perforated. A CT scan revealed an infection in the ear bone, prompting doctors to prescribe antibiotics. Subsequently, he underwent surgery in November 2022 to remove the infected bone tissue and repair the eardrum. Following the surgery, he began experiencing a series of new symptoms, including the sensation of liquid pooling in his ear. This feeling would trigger vibrations throughout his body whenever he tried to sleep and would often result in him waking up abruptly with an accelerated heart rate. Additionally, he started feeling anxious and uncomfortable when alone at home, as the vibrations disrupted his sleep. We attempted to alleviate his sleep difficulties with sleeping medications; however, these merely induced temporary unconsciousness without addressing the underlying issue. Once the effects of the medication diminished, the sensations returned, causing sleep disturbances. Eventually, we consulted a psychiatrist, and with the onset of therapy, my father's condition began to improve. His sleep became more restful, the vibrations diminished, and his feelings of anxiety lessened. Interestingly, even his ear itch subsided during this time. The therapeutic intervention lasted for approximately 1.5 years, after which we felt confident enough to discontinue the medications. Unfortunately, about five to six months later, the symptoms resurface. His ear began to itch once more, and the vibrations reappeared during nighttime. We decided to resume the psychiatrist's prescribed treatment, albeit at a lower dosage, leading to another improvement in his condition. This prompts me to inquire whether his issues are primarily ear-related or psychological in nature. It seems that when he adheres to his mental health medications, his ear symptoms also alleviate. **Medications he has taken during the psychiatrist's treatment span:** 1. Melitry F 2. Mirnite (7.5 mg) 3. Rollosert (25 mg) 4. Anxichek 5. Mirtaz (7.5 mg) 6. And more Moreover, post-surgery, another small hole developed in his eardrum, but the doctor advised against any intervention due to its negligible size and lack of significant issues. He remains very careful about his ear, ensuring that no water enters it and consistently taking his medications as prescribed. I am seeking insight into his situation and wondering what may be the underlying cause of his symptoms. Thank you for your help!

Answers (1)

3/18/2025, 6:41:08 PM

OpenHealth AI

Your father's symptoms are complex and seem to involve both physical and psychological aspects. His history of ear issues, including a perforated eardrum and subsequent surgery, alongside his experience of anxiety and sleep disturbances, suggests a multifactorial situation.

Summary of Main Points:

1. Persistent ear itching and sensations may stem from both ear health and mental health.
2. His symptoms improved with psychiatric treatment, indicating a psychological component.
3. It's crucial to address both aspects simultaneously for overall improvement.

Explanation:

• Ear Health: His past ear problems, especially the perforated eardrum and infection, may have led to persistent irritations and nerve sensitivity in the ear area. This may be why he continues experiencing itching and sensations of vibrations. Although there is a small hole in his eardrum, if it's not causing issues, it might not require immediate intervention.

• Mental Health: Since his symptoms appear to respond positively to psychiatric treatment, it suggests that anxiety and stress might exacerbate or even contribute to his physical symptoms. Psychological distress can manifest as physical sensations and exacerbate existing health issues.

Next Steps:

1. Continue Psychiatric Care: Encourage your father to consistently engage with his mental health professional. Maintaining the prescribed medication and therapeutic practices will be key to managing both his anxiety and its physical manifestations.

2. Regular Follow-Up for Ear Health: Make sure he has regular check-ups with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. Keeping track of any changes in his ear symptoms will ensure that any developing issues are managed promptly.

3. Self-Care Measures:

   • Encourage relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation to help manage anxiety and improve sleep quality.
   • Suggest keeping a sleep journal to document patterns related to his ear symptoms and any anxiety triggers, which may help him and his healthcare providers identify effective management strategies.

4. Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure he is maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated, as these can impact overall health and well-being, including ear health.

5. Limit Irritants: Advise against exposure to environmental irritants that might exacerbate ear itching, such as loud noises, water entry, or allergens.

Continued dialogue with healthcare providers will be essential to refine treatment approaches as his symptoms evolve. Reassure your father that with the right support for both his mental and physical health, improvement is possible.