Concerns About My Ruptured Eardrum and Ear Infection
I’m a 17-year-old male and about a month ago, I suffered a ruptured eardrum. Initially, I sought help at the emergency room where I was prescribed antibiotic ear drops and assured that I would recover within a week. I followed their instructions and completed the course. However, shortly after discontinuing the drops, I began to experience a persistent ringing in my ears that did not subside. This noise fluctuated, temporarily disappearing for a couple of days only to return. This has been ongoing for several weeks, and it's becoming quite distressing. Recently, I visited a doctor again, but this time in Ireland. Upon examining my ear, the physician indicated that there was an infection present, which complicated their ability to determine whether my eardrum had healed or remained ruptured, as my ear canal was filled with discharge. They prescribed antibiotic drops, specifically Genticin (Gentamicin 0.3%). The packaging indicated that the medication was ototoxic and unsuitable for use with a ruptured eardrum. Given this alarming information, I was anxious but trusted the doctor’s judgment. After administering the drops this morning, my hearing became immediately muffled, and the ringing intensified. Now that night has fallen, I haven’t noticed any improvement. What should my next step be? Should I return to the doctor or continue using the drops? Am I perhaps overreacting to this situation?
Answers (1)
9/13/2025, 12:40:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious when dealing with both a ruptured eardrum and a potential ear infection, especially with the added complication of medications that raise concerns. Here’s a structured overview of your situation and recommended immediate actions.
Main Points:
- Ringing in Ears (Tinnitus): The ringing can be linked to the rupture and the infection, and it's important to monitor this symptom closely.
- Use of Genticin (Gentamicin): This antibiotic can be ototoxic, particularly in cases of a ruptured eardrum, and may require reassessment given your symptoms.
- Next Steps: Prioritize reevaluating your symptoms and medication use based on your worsening condition.
Explanation:
The ringing in your ears (known as tinnitus) can result from your ear injury or infection and may be exacerbated by certain medications, especially if they affect the inner ear structure. The use of Genticin, which carries warnings about ototoxicity, especially in the context of a ruptured eardrum, can complicate your recovery. Your experience of immediate muffling and intensified ringing after starting the drops is concerning and suggests that this medication may not be suitable for your current condition.
Next Steps:
- Stop Using Genticin Drops: Given your worsening symptoms and the potential risks, it’s advisable to stop using the gentamicin drops immediately.
- Contact a Healthcare Provider Promptly: Reach out to a healthcare professional (doctor, pharmacist, or ear specialist) as soon as possible to report your symptoms. Provide them with details about your recent use of the drops and the increased ringing and muffled hearing.
- Consider an Ear Examination: Request a thorough examination to assess the state of your eardrum and to discuss alternative treatments, especially if there’s a persistent infection.
- Avoid Irritants: Keep your ear dry and refrain from getting water in it until you have received further medical advice.
It's important to trust your instincts regarding your health, and seeking a second opinion or further evaluation is always justified when symptoms worsen. You're not overreacting; your health and comfort are priorities. Please keep monitoring your symptoms closely, and take action as outlined above.
Related Questions
Discrepancy Between CT and MRI Findings of Liver Size
Subject: 35-year-old female, height 5'3", weight 110 lbs; not on any medications besides a calcium supplement, and previously took 1g of salt tablets from June through July. Backstory: In April, I began experiencing a worsening of chronic symptoms alongside some new issues. This culminated in a visit to the emergency room due to near-fainting spells and low blood pressure. I also noticed a significant decrease in my appetite, which made eating quite uncomfortable, leading to a weight loss of approximately 10-15 lbs. Upon consulting a new primary care physician, I underwent extensive blood tests. The results largely appeared normal, including liver function tests, although my serum iron and transferrin saturation levels were elevated. Consequently, I was referred to a hematologist, who diagnosed me with hemochromatosis and recommended a liver MRI to check for potential iron deposits. Simultaneously, my PCP ordered an abdominal CT scan to investigate my early satiety issues. The abdominal CT scan conducted in late June returned normal results, specifically noting that my liver was “within normal parameters.” Due to scheduling conflicts, I only managed to get the liver MRI this past week (September). The findings indicated a mildly enlarged liver, measuring 19 cm. Reflecting on my alcohol consumption, I used to drink heavily in my twenties—averaging 4-8 beverages on most nights. Though I moderated my drinking in my thirties, prior to the ER visit in April, I was still consuming about 2-4 beers on an evening, sometimes reaching 5 drinks. Since then, I’ve significantly cut down to 0-1 beer most nights, and a maximum of 2-3 drinks once or twice a week. Despite some ongoing appetite loss, I maintain a well-rounded omnivorous diet, primarily composed of homemade meals rich in fruits and vegetables. I avoid excessive consumption of fried foods and saturated fats, opting for a balanced approach instead. I have consulted with a cardiologist who performed an echocardiogram and a continuous EKG monitor, finding nothing alarming. He added me to salt tablets temporarily for low blood pressure, which I discontinued in July as my readings stabilized. Furthermore, my hematologist confirmed that my bloodwork did not suggest any cancer risk. In summary, I'm puzzled by how my liver could appear normal on the June CT scan while the MRI in September indicated a size of 19 cm, especially in light of my reduced alcohol intake. Could the enlargement simply have not been detectable on the CT? Also, how concerning is a liver measuring 19 cm for someone who is 35 years old and weighs 110 lbs? Any insights would be greatly appreciated as I await communication from my healthcare providers, hopefully by Monday.
Is This Possibly Appendicitis?
I’m a 19-year-old male, standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 175 pounds. For nearly a year now, specifically since last November, I’ve been experiencing discomfort in my lower right abdomen. This pain tends to last for several days before subsiding for a few weeks, only to return later. On a scale of one to ten, the most intense pain I’ve felt is about a five—although it's not unbearable, it’s certainly bothersome and very hard to ignore. My bowel movements are regular, my appetite remains unchanged, and I have no fever or rebound tenderness; everything seems normal except for this nagging pain localized where my appendix is located. I’ve come across information suggesting that chronic appendicitis can persist for years, which terrifies me. What if my appendix is silently deteriorating inside me, potentially leading to a severe situation? The thought is quite distressing. Unfortunately, I can’t visit the emergency room due to a lack of health insurance and being independent without parental support. I'm feeling quite desperate. Any suggestions or thoughts on this matter?
Assessing Wound Recovery: Potential Cellulitis or Healing Process?
### Background Information: Recently, I encountered a mishap where I was subjected to the weight of approximately 1100 pounds. Fortunately, I suffered no fractures or broken bones. However, my wound was not adequately treated at the hospital, leading to a delay of nearly 24 hours before I was able to attend to it at home. Initially, I developed a hematoma measuring about 5x7 cm, which unfortunately expanded to 8x10 cm within a day. As the swelling and bruising intensified, I revisited the hospital once it spread down to my foot, raising concerns regarding a possible blood clot. This was assessed and ruled out with a Doppler ultrasound. Concurrently, I experienced daily vomiting for approximately three days. During a follow-up appointment, my doctor expressed concern regarding a potential infection, prompted by the appearance of my leg. I was subsequently prescribed antibiotics. However, by the fourth day of treatment, I noted that the redness around the wound appeared to be worsening. The skin became flaky and scaly, hot to the touch, and itchy, leaving me feeling extremely fatigued. My next check-up with the physician is scheduled for over a week from now.
Over a Year of Intense Dizziness Without Explanation
Hello all, I’m reaching out to share my experience with a **crippling dizziness issue** that has persisted for over a year now. Despite consulting several medical professionals, I remain without a definitive diagnosis. I’m interested to learn if anyone else has encountered something similar. Here’s a summary of my symptoms and medical background: * **Primary symptom:** Constant, severe dizziness that feels overwhelming (not mild—it’s as if my entire body is failing). * **Duration:** This condition has been ongoing for approximately one year, with no respite. My current episode has continued since July. * **Episodes:** * This marks my third severe episode within a single year. * Each attack begins suddenly with profound fatigue, leading me to sleep for nearly the entirety of a week—I struggle to keep my eyes open. * Although the fatigue lessens after a while, the dizziness and imbalance linger for several months. * During these incidents, it feels as if my body is collapsing, severely impacting my daily functioning. * **Characteristics of dizziness:** * I experience both spinning vertigo and an ongoing sense of swaying (disequilibrium). * While walking, halting suddenly causes a sensation as if the ground is stretching and my vision is expanding, which then triggers dizziness. * Exposure to bright or white light exacerbates the issue. * Focusing on reading has become challenging, as I need to exert additional effort to keep the words clear. * This dizziness is neither brief nor positional; it persists even while resting or sleeping. * **(Also) Pain:** During my third episode, I noticed significant pressure in my head, neck, and eyes, which was not present during the first two episodes where dizziness was the sole symptom. Fortunately, post-treatment with Tebokan (ginkgo) and magnesium, this pain improved significantly and almost resolved. * **Additional symptoms include:** * Visual distortions, such as a loss of focus akin to a camera lens, and a sensation of the floor moving beneath me. * Sensitivity to light (photophobia). * Occasional head pressure, although not accompanied by typical migraine symptoms. * **Medical evaluations conducted thus far:** * Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist — normal findings * Audiology tests — normal results * Neurological examination — normal * Internal medicine assessment — normal * Cardiology evaluation — normal * **What perplexes me:** * This does not align with BPPV since the episodes are not transient or positional. * It doesn’t resemble Meniere’s disease due to the absence of tinnitus or hearing impairment. * The duration spans months rather than just minutes or hours. * It appears to be more akin to PPPD (persistent postural-perceptual dizziness) or vestibular migraine, but I have yet to receive any confirmation from a doctor. **Demographics:** * Age: 26 years * Height: 171 cm * Weight: 80 kg * Smoking/Alcohol: None / Occasionally * Current medications include Tebokan (ginkgo), magnesium, melatonin combined with 5-HTP, and a folate supplement * Duration of condition: Over a year **My inquiries:** * Has anyone else dealt with unrelenting dizziness that lasts for months? * For those diagnosed with PPPD or vestibular migraines, do my symptoms resonate with yours? I appreciate your insights!
Concerns Over Ear Symptoms and Dizziness
I am a 14-year-old weighing 120 pounds, and for several years, I've been experiencing some unusual health issues. Occasionally, it feels as though fluid is leaking from my ear, and I often feel quite dizzy, especially when swinging on playground equipment or flying in an airplane, where I notice significant pressure in my head. I am seeking advice as I am worried these symptoms could indicate something serious, like a brain tumor.