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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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