Should I Be Concerned About the Strange Sensations in My Ears?
I’m a 17-year-old female, 169 cm tall and weighing 51 kg. Currently, I’m prescribed 150 mg of antidepressants. I neither smoke nor consume alcohol. Although I had asthma during my childhood, I believe it's no longer relevant to my current situation. Regarding my left ear, I'm experiencing a peculiar sensation, like something is tickling deep within. The only method I've found to alleviate it involves pinching my nose to create pressure, followed by a yawn, which seems to provide relief. On the contrary, my right ear presents a different issue. It feels as though I can perceive my eardrum, accompanied by a ringing sound similar to what occurs when I yawn. This sensation predominantly arises when I’m lying in bed, preparing to sleep. Sometimes, it subsides when I listen to music for a while, while other times I have to endure it until I drift off to sleep. I have consulted a physician after discovering that earwax could be the culprit behind these problems. However, upon examination, the doctor noted that my ears appeared completely healthy and free of wax. He recommended that I see an otolaryngologist (ear specialist) for a more thorough evaluation, as they have advanced diagnostic tools. Could these issues be tied to my medication? Should I be concerned about these symptoms, and is there effective treatment available?
Answers (1)
7/11/2025, 1:50:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about unusual sensations in your ears, especially since it can impact your day-to-day life. The symptoms you're describing—such as the tickling sensation in the left ear and the feeling of pressure along with ringing in the right—could have various causes, including Eustachian tube dysfunction, pressure changes, or even issues related to possible side effects from medication.
Explanation
The sensations you are experiencing may be linked to pressure imbalances in your ears. The Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, helps equalize pressure. Sometimes, this tube can become temporarily blocked or not function properly, leading to the sensations you're feeling. Additionally, ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus, can occur due to various factors such as stress, exposure to loud noise, or even as a side effect of medications, including some antidepressants.
Next Steps
-
Track Your Symptoms: Keep a journal for a week, noting when the symptoms occur, how long they last, and any activities that seem to trigger or alleviate them (like yawning or listening to music). This information can be helpful for your specialist.
-
See an Otolaryngologist (ENT): Since your physician recommended this, it's important to follow through. An ENT can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and potentially identify issues not visible during a general examination.
-
Review Your Medication: Discuss the sensation and any potential links to your antidepressants with your prescribing physician. They can help assess whether your current medication regimen might be contributing to your symptoms.
-
Practice Stress Management: Since stress can exacerbate ear issues and tinnitus, consider relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise to help manage any anxiety related to your symptoms.
-
Avoid Loud Noises: Protect your ears from loud sounds which may worsen ringing or pressure sensations.
Follow Up
If you notice any changes in your symptoms, such as increased pain, significant hearing changes, or if the sensations worsen, it's crucial to seek medical advice promptly. These steps can help address your concerns and lead to effective management of your symptoms. Remember, it's perfectly okay to seek help and clarity regarding any health issues you face.
Related Questions
Concerns Over Decreased Platelet Counts with SSRIs
I am a 20-year-old female, standing 5 feet tall, and I was diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in 2023. In January 2024, I started treatment with fluoxetine at a dosage of 20 mg, which was quickly raised to 40 mg. Following this increase, I've experienced some unusual skin symptoms, specifically tiny red dots beneath the surface that are subtle yet peculiar. Unlike the petechiae I have encountered previously, these spots seem to originate from the skin pores themselves, appearing more inflamed and noticeable than usual. I have been undergoing regular blood tests, all of which have revealed a consistently low platelet count along with a high mean platelet volume (MPV). My preliminary research suggests that this condition could point toward an increased turnover of platelets. Dealing with both OCD and health-related anxiety, I often find myself fixating on the possibility of having a serious illness such as leukemia. Although my physician has not expressed major concern regarding this issue, my platelet levels have seen a decline since September of the previous year, dropping from 146 µg/L to 131 µg/L just last week. Should I be worried about this situation? Could my medication be contributing to these changes?
Understanding the Effects of Refeeding After Starvation
Demographic Information: I am an 18-year-old individual assigned female at birth who has been undergoing testosterone therapy as part of my gender transition for approximately 15 months. At present, my height is 174 cm (5'8") and I weigh 55 kg (121 lbs). I do not take any additional medications, occasionally smoke socially about once every two weeks, and have never consulted a healthcare provider or a nutritionist regarding my eating patterns, as I only recently realized these habits were concerning. During my childhood, I faced significant neglect which led to a very limited food intake, often reduced to a single meal per day consisting mostly of fast food like burgers and fries. There were rare instances of having home-cooked meals, such as chicken or lamb served with rice or pasta. There were numerous days when I would snack sporadically—often on chips or cakes—or go without any food altogether. My bowel movements occurred only once or twice a week. This dietary pattern persisted for as long as I can remember, until last week, when I secured a stable job and decided to focus on improving my nutrition and fitness routine. Despite the inadequate nutrition, I have grown taller than average for someone assigned female at birth. However, my hands and feet appear somewhat small in comparison to my height. In terms of the effects of my testosterone treatment, I have only experienced a few anticipated changes, and these seem to be progressing much slower than expected. I have not noticed an increase in my appetite, weight gain, or alterations in fat distribution as I had hoped. I am curious to know if focusing on my nutrition alongside a workout regimen will facilitate growth at a typical pace, whether the progress will be gradual or swift, and if the outcome will skew towards gaining fat instead of muscle.
Questions Regarding Colonoscopy Results
A few months prior, I underwent a colonoscopy as part of routine screening. Thankfully, the procedure revealed no polyps, and I experienced no complications. While reviewing my results, I noted that the procedure had successfully reached the cecum and that the bowel preparation was rated as excellent. What struck me as peculiar was the phrasing in the report stating, "the colon (entire examined portion) appeared normal." This specific wording was also referenced in other parts of the document. I can't help but wonder why this distinction was made. Is there a segment of the colon that isn't routinely inspected during a standard colonoscopy? What is the purpose of including such qualifying language in the report?
Concerns About a Gum Issue
As a 31-year-old female, I've noticed a small white spot located on the lower region of my gum line. It resembles a canker sore in texture, yet it has a distinct white center, raising my concern that it might be a cyst.
Noticed a Lump in My Thigh (Unseen)
I've discovered a lump located beneath the skin of my upper thigh. Interestingly, it isn’t visible; I can only notice it through touch. The lump isn’t particularly large—its size is comparable to, or perhaps a bit smaller than, the tip of my pinky. It feels tender when I apply pressure, but it doesn't cause any real pain. Should this be something I need to address promptly? I am a 51-year-old woman, standing at 5’2" and weighing 115 lbs. I do have fibromuscular dysplasia; however, I manage it with just baby aspirin.