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
Interpretation Request for Recent Spinal NM Bone Scan
Hello, doctors. I'm reaching out for your insights regarding a recent NM bone scan of my spine. I've previously undergone a similar scan in 2022, and I'd like to compare the two. To provide context, I am a 29-year-old female weighing 100 kg, and I've been diagnosed with conditions including endplate sclerosis, spinal stenosis, cervical bone spurs, degenerative disc disease (DDD), and mild scoliosis. My medication regimen consists of several prescriptions. Unfortunately, my next appointment with my general practitioner is still a few weeks away, so I would appreciate your assessments on how the latest scan compares to the previous one. Thank you in advance for your help!
Unexpected Eye Issues: Headache and Double Vision Concerns
A 33-year-old female, measuring 1.67 meters in height and weighing 55 kilograms, residing in the Netherlands, experienced a sudden onset of symptoms. Last evening, shortly after dinner, my partner complained of a slight headache localized at the rear of her head. Along with this discomfort, she encountered double vision and noticed her right eye deviating outward. Interestingly, when she shut either eye, the double vision resolved, enabling her to see without distortion. We rushed her to the emergency room later that night. The medical team conducted a variety of assessments, including physical examinations, neurological evaluations, visual tests, and laboratory analyses. Fortunately, all results were normal. However, the doctors found it peculiar that her right eye exhibited normal movement and accurately tracked a pen in all directions when her left eye was closed. The medical opinion suggested that it may be a migraine-related episode, a condition she has experienced previously. Nonetheless, she insists that this feels unlike any migraine she has had in the past. A teleconsultation with a neurologist is scheduled for Monday to arrange an MRI should the symptoms continue. The doctors advised that if her symptoms worsen, we should return to the hospital immediately. Fortunately, after a night's rest, her vision had returned to normal by morning, the headache had subsided, and her right eye was aligned properly. I am understandably concerned, particularly due to her assertion that this does not resemble a typical migraine. Is it possible that this is indeed a migraine, or could it be indicative of another underlying issue? Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Unexplained Bruises on My Right Hand – Seeking Advice
I've noticed some unusual bruising on my right hand over the past month. Strangely enough, they don't hurt at all. Should I be concerned about this? It's quite puzzling to see these random marks without any apparent cause.
Intense Pain in Left Thumb
Greetings, I’ve been experiencing a piercing pain at the tip of my left thumb intermittently. This discomfort is situated within the thumb rather than on the outer skin. It primarily affects the underside of the thumb and surrounds the base of the nail. The pain seems to extend only to the first skin fold, specifically around the distal phalanx. When applying pressure, I’ve noticed some red streaks appearing beneath the surface, alongside the white area. I trust this explanation is clear. This issue has persisted for over a year, occurring sporadically but intensifying as time has passed. Could this be a cause for concern? A bit about myself: I am a 25-year-old female with no significant medical issues in my background. I previously smoked cigarettes for three years, transitioned to vaping, and have been vaping for six years now. I maintain an active lifestyle, frequently going to the gym and participating in various sports such as indoor football and pickleball. I don’t have any known allergies.
Persistent Need to Stretch Legs While Seated
I experience a significant discomfort when seated, particularly when my knees are bent at about a 90-degree angle. This sensation compels me to stretch my legs straight, and if too much time passes without doing so—typically around every five to six minutes—the urge intensifies to an uncomfortable level that’s hard to manage. It’s more than just a desire to fidget; fully extending my legs tends to offer the greatest relief. Adjusting my position provides some comfort, but it doesn’t alleviate the feeling nearly as effectively as a full stretch does. This issue predominantly arises when I remain stationary in a chair. Occasionally, I notice a similar feeling when I’m lying down, but these instances are relatively rare compared to the frequent occurrences while sitting. I consulted a relative who is a medical professional about this discomfort, and they suggested that it doesn’t appear to align with Restless Leg Syndrome. However, since this isn't their specialization, I acknowledge that there may be a chance of error. * What could potentially be causing these sensations? * Does anyone else relate to this experience? * Are there methods available to help manage or diminish this feeling? I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights.