Unexpected Hearing Loss Experience
Hello, I'm a 23-year-old male from the UK, standing at 6'4" and weighing 250 lbs, and I have no notable health conditions. Last week, I caught a peculiar type of cold. Interestingly, my sinuses weren't congested, and I didn’t experience a runny nose at all. The most significant symptom was an intense sore throat, one that struck me as the worst I've had in memory. I managed to cope with over-the-counter pain relievers and tried to continue with my daily routine. At some point during this illness, I began to feel discomfort in my right ear. I attributed this to some form of inflammation, as I tend not to fret too much over minor health issues, hoping they would resolve on their own. However, I recall waking up one night to an overwhelming pain in my left ear, which seemed to radiate towards my jaw and cheek. This required me to take codeine for relief. Since that incident, the pain has subsided, apart from minor, fleeting sensations that last less than a minute. Currently, my primary concern is significant hearing loss in both ears. I’ve previously dealt with earwax blockages, so I'm familiar with that sensation of fullness and the persistent inability to clear my eardrum. However, this situation feels distinctive; the sensation of fullness is minimal, and I occasionally hear crackling or popping sounds when I swallow, yet my hearing has not returned—neither permanently nor temporarily. Moreover, sounds seem to have shifted to a higher pitch. I'm also experiencing some tinnitus, described as a form of white noise, which becomes especially pronounced when I lie on my back at night. My brother has a small camera designed for ear examination. After a brief look, he noted that my right ear appeared somewhat red and irritated but was otherwise clear. He was unable to assess my left ear fully due to some wax present, but it didn’t seem to be close to the eardrum. I've scheduled a visit with my general practitioner, though the earliest appointment available is on the 26th. Meanwhile, I am seeking insights or suggestions on this situation, as my hearing loss has significantly impacted my ability to work.
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 5:01:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your recent experience with significant hearing loss and the discomfort you've been feeling. It’s understandable to be worried, especially since changes in hearing can impact daily life. Here’s a summary of your situation along with some explanations and clear next steps to help you manage until your appointment.
Main Points:
- Recent Cold Symptoms: Intense sore throat, ear discomfort, and now hearing loss.
- Current Concerns: Hearing loss in both ears, possible ear infection, and tinnitus.
- Next Steps: Focus on managing symptoms and monitoring changes.
Explanation:
Based on your symptoms, it sounds like you may be experiencing acute ear issues, potentially stemming from your recent cold. The pain and discomfort in your ears could indicate inflammation, possible fluid buildup, or even a mild infection. The sensation of fullness, the changes in your hearing, and the presence of tinnitus (ringing or noise in the ears) align with what's often seen in ear infections or Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Since your brother noticed redness in your right ear and you have some wax blockage in your left ear, these factors could be contributing to your symptoms as well. Swallowing noises and crackling sounds often indicate pressure changes in the middle ear.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your hearing and any pain or pressure changes. Note when the tinnitus is most pronounced and any patterns you observe.
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Avoid Irritants: Stay away from loud noises and environments that could further irritate your ears. Use earplugs if necessary.
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Manage Discomfort: Continue using over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Applying a warm compress to your ears may help alleviate discomfort.
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Ear Hygiene: Since there’s some wax in your left ear, gently use a soft cloth to clean the outer ear, but avoid inserting anything into the ear canal. Consider using over-the-counter ear drops designed to soften earwax, if appropriate.
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Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps keep your mucous membranes moist, which can support ear function.
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Elevate Your Head: While sleeping, keep your head elevated to help with drainage and potentially ease pressure in your ears.
If you experience any sudden worsening of your symptoms, such as severe pain, significant dizziness, or noticeable discharge from your ears, consider seeking medical attention sooner if possible.
Taking these steps can help manage your current symptoms while you await your doctor's visit. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions or concerns; your well-being is important.
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