Is It Normal to Experience Hearing Problems After Getting Ear Tubes as an Adult?
Hello everyone, I’m seeking some guidance and would greatly appreciate your thoughts. Thanks in advance for your support. I’m a 36-year-old woman who recently underwent the placement of adult ear tubes three days ago to address persistent issues with middle ear pressure and conductive hearing loss. Additionally, I have a history of cookie bite sensorineural hearing loss. Initially, I anticipated feeling some relief; however, my experience has been quite the opposite. Currently, my hearing feels more muffled and blocked than it ever has. Low-frequency sounds are almost inaudible, and all sounds seem distant, as if my ears are covered. Notably, my left ear seems to be affected more severely than my right. I don’t have a fever, but I do experience a brief, sharp pain when I apply eardrops. The changes in my hearing are causing significant concern. I often feel as if one ear will clear momentarily, but it never lasts. I’m attempting to be patient during this healing process, but I’m uncertain whether what I’m experiencing is typical or indicative of a complication. As I navigate a holiday weekend where my ENT's office is unavailable, I have a few questions: 1. Is it standard to experience muffled or diminished hearing after ear tube placement? 2. How long should I wait before reaching out for a follow-up? 3. What warning signs should I be attentive to? 4. If my hearing does not improve, what could that mean? I take Claritin-D and Flonase on a daily basis, and I am using ofloxacin ear drops as prescribed. I have dealt with significant tinnitus for over a decade, which has escalated slightly; I’m not sure if that’s relevant. The sudden impairment of my hearing is quite stressful. I’d be grateful for any insights or assistance you can provide.
Answers (1)
7/4/2025, 2:50:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about changes in your hearing after getting ear tubes. While some degree of muffled hearing can occur right after the procedure, experiencing significant hearing issues three days post-surgery may warrant close attention.
Explanation
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Muffled Hearing After Ear Tubes: After placing ear tubes, it's common for some people to experience temporary muffling as the ears adjust and heal. However, if you feel that your hearing is worse, this could be due to fluid still being present in the middle ear or irritation from the procedure.
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Timeline for Follow-Up: Generally, it’s advisable to monitor your symptoms for about one week post-procedure. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen significantly before your scheduled follow-up, contacting your ENT sooner is recommended.
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Warning Signs to Watch For:
- Increased pain in the ear or intensifying sharp pains.
- Noticeable fever or chills.
- Pus or fluid drainage that appears yellow or green.
- Severe dizziness or balance issues.
- Significant worsening of hearing.
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What If Hearing Doesn't Improve? If your hearing remains impaired after a week or continues to worsen, it may indicate fluid retention, infection, or even a rare complication related to the tub placement. A thorough evaluation may be necessary to determine the underlying cause.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms for any significant changes, especially those mentioned above.
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Ear Care: Continue using the prescribed ear drops carefully as instructed. If they cause sharp pain, note the frequency and intensity.
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Stay Hydrated: Maintaining good hydration can support overall ear health and may assist with discomfort.
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Consider Saline Nasal Spray: If nasal congestion is an issue (which could affect ear drainage), a saline nasal spray can help keep nasal passages moist and facilitate airflow.
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Patience: Healing can take time, but if there's no improvement in your hearing or if you have any of the warning signs, reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
It's important to listen to your body and seek assistance when something feels off, especially after a procedure. You're not alone in this, and the concerns you have are valid. Take care of yourself, and I hope for a smooth recovery.
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