Muffled Hearing After Viral Throat Infection
At 17, I recently experienced a distressing health issue. Around two Thursdays ago (June 12, 2025), I came down with a viral illness that turned my throat unbearably sore, almost like I was swallowing shards of glass. Along with that, I was quite congested and suffering from a severe headache. Fast forward to the following week, either Monday (June 16, 2025) or Tuesday (June 17, 2025), I noticed a significant reduction in my hearing in the right ear — about 50%. Everything sounded extremely muted, and this condition has persisted up until now, Wednesday (June 25, 2025). I've attempted various remedies, including using cotton swabs, rinsing my ear while showering, pinching my nose and blowing air, shaking my head, yawning, burping, stretching my jaw, and even submerging my head in a pool or the ocean. Interestingly, despite the muffled sensation, I can still hear sounds when I use AirPods or during conversations. Additionally, there's a constant thumping in my head, which might be my heartbeat; I'm not certain. Any guidance or advice regarding this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 1:10:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Muffled hearing after a viral throat infection, likely due to fluid in the ear or Eustachian tube dysfunction. Immediate actions focus on self-care and monitoring symptoms.
Explanation: After a viral throat infection, it’s possible for fluid to accumulate in the middle ear, which can lead to muffled hearing. The Eustachian tube, which helps equalize pressure in the ear, may become blocked due to congestion, making sounds seem quieter or muted. The thumping sensation you mention could be related to pressure changes or pulsatile tinnitus, which sometimes occurs after upper respiratory infections.
Since you’ve already tried some remedies with limited success, let's focus on practical steps you can take at home.
Next Steps:
-
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help thin any mucus and promote drainage. Warm beverages, like herbal tea, may also provide soothing relief for your throat.
-
Steam Inhalation: Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or take a warm shower. This can help open up your nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, potentially alleviating pressure and improving hearing.
-
Gentle Nasal Irrigation: Consider using a saline nasal spray or a neti pot to flush out nasal passages, which may help reduce congestion and drain fluid from your ears.
-
Avoid Cotton Swabs: Resist the urge to insert cotton swabs into your ears, as this can push wax deeper and worsen the blockage.
-
Over-the-Counter Decongestants: If you find it helpful, consider taking an over-the-counter decongestant or antihistamine. Follow package instructions for the correct dosage.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your hearing or any new symptoms. If your symptoms worsen, such as experiencing pain, fever, dizziness, or if the muffled hearing persists for more than a week, it’s important to seek further evaluation.
-
Rest and Relaxation: Ensure you are getting enough rest, as your body needs time to recover from the previous infection. Stress can also exacerbate symptoms.
If you continue to have concerns about your hearing or if the symptoms do not improve, please think about discussing this further with a healthcare professional to rule out any complications. Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!
Related Questions
Noticed a Significant Dark Spot on My Eye
This morning, I discovered a prominent dark spot on the surface of my eye. At 41 years old, this sudden change has left me rather concerned. I'm unsure about the cause and what steps I should take next regarding my eye health. Anyone with similar experiences or advice?
Seeking Clarity on Lab Findings
A 25-year-old woman diagnosed with Down syndrome presents a complex medical history. Standing at 150 cm and weighing 80 kg, she is currently on a regimen of thyroxine (100 mg), trazodone, and vitamin D to aid her sleep. While her endocrinological tests have shown normal results, the lumbar puncture results, although labeled as fine by her doctors, have raised concerns. There seems to be a discrepancy, as the patient has been dealing with a chronic spinal cord infection for the past three years, which led to a noticeable decrease in strength in her left limbs. Although she has shown improvement through physiotherapy, her mobility has been significantly affected. Additionally, four years prior, she experienced a fall that necessitated surgical reconstruction of her tibia and patella, after which her ability to walk independently has notably diminished. Alongside these physical challenges, she has faced mental health issues including depression, self-harming behaviors, reduced communication, and various behavioral problems. Recently, fluctuations in her body temperature have also been observed, prompting us to purchase a thermometer for better monitoring. It is important to note that before these health issues emerged, she was an active and joyful child. I believe the lab results may indicate some underlying inflammatory process, yet I am unsure about the specifics and how to assist her effectively. We reside in South Africa and are seeking insights into these lab results for further guidance.
Need Help Identifying These Creatures
At 18 years old, I find myself in a somewhat awkward situation, as I believe I may have seen some unusual creatures emerge after an extensive cleaning experience. Normally, I pride myself on maintaining kitchen hygiene and have never encountered anything concerning in my stool, which makes me uncertain about labeling them as worms. Nonetheless, it's always wise to err on the side of caution, right? 🤷♂️
Removed a Mole at Home
I’m a 21-year-old female, and I’ve had a mole on my chest since childhood. It has been confirmed as benign, yet I’ve always felt uncomfortable about it because it was raised. This morning, I decided to take matters into my own hands and used an eyebrow razor to remove it. I realize that this wasn’t the safest approach, and it did result in quite a bit of bleeding. I managed to apply two band-aids to control it, but after taking one off for a replacement, I noticed that it’s still bleeding, albeit lightly. What should I do next?
Experiencing Sudden Jaw Discomfort and Facial Pain
As a 21-year-old male, I've developed a habit of cracking my jaw in a circular manner—something I've routinely done for years without any issues. Recently, however, I've found myself in significant discomfort. The area around my right ear and the side of my mouth are painful, making it difficult to open my mouth or even clench my teeth. This is an unusual experience for me, and I’m curious if this is something I should be worried about?