Concerns About Changes in Right Eardrum
I am a 32-year-old woman who takes Vyvanse, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Gabapentin, Dayvigo, and occasionally Lorazepam. I had ear tubes placed during my childhood. For the past couple of days, I have noticed an unusual noise and sensation in my right ear. This issue developed gradually over a period of 24 hours and has remained consistent since then. It resembles the sound of rushing water, but also has a characteristic as if I am hearing it through a tunnel. My sense of balance feels strange; I often feel lightheaded, especially while walking or moving. Initially, I thought my blood pressure might have dropped, which could explain the sensation. Additionally, loud sounds are uncomfortable, with high-pitched noises being particularly aggravating as they intensify my feelings of imbalance and discomfort. Out of concern, I used a camera to check for earwax buildup. Fortunately, I found none, but I noticed that my right eardrum appears different from the left. It seems as if there is something behind it, although I’m unsure if it’s in front or behind the eardrum. I hesitated to probe any further, as I assumed touching the eardrum could be quite painful. I’m seeking advice on what might be happening. Would this situation warrant a visit to my general practitioner?
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 12:40:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about changes in your ear health. Based on your description, it sounds like you might be experiencing symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunction, middle ear fluid accumulation, or possible infection. The sensation of rushing water, balance issues, and sensitivity to loud sounds suggest that there may be an underlying problem affecting the ear.
Explanation:
When something changes in the ear, like fluid buildup or eustachian tube malfunction, it can create unusual sounds and sensations. The fact that you had ear tubes in childhood means your ears might have some history of issues, which could play a role in your current experiences. Lightheadedness and balance concerns can also be linked to inner ear problems or issues with blood pressure. Since you’ve ruled out earwax buildup, it's important to consider the health of the structures behind the eardrum.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a record of any changes in your symptoms, including severity and frequency of the sensations and any additional symptoms like pain or hearing changes.
-
Stay Hydrated and Manage Stress: Because you mentioned lightheadedness, ensure you’re drinking plenty of fluids and eating balanced meals. Stress management techniques might also help reduce lightheadedness caused by anxiety.
-
Avoid Loud Environments: Since loud sounds are uncomfortable, try to limit your exposure to noisy settings to prevent aggravation.
-
Book an Appointment: Given the unusual noise, balance changes, and the appearance of your eardrum, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with your general practitioner or an ear specialist (ENT). They can perform a thorough examination and provide appropriate interventions.
-
Be Cautious: Avoid inserting anything into your ear canal further than what a healthcare professional recommends, since it can cause injury or worsen the issue.
These steps are important to ensure you get the care you need for your ear concerns. Please don’t hesitate to follow up if your symptoms worsen or if you experience additional issues.
Related Questions
Intense Pain in Left Rib Area During Deep Breaths
An 18-year-old female, weighing around 105 pounds and standing 5 feet 2 inches tall, currently takes Zoloft and Yaz. From time to time, I encounter a sharp and agonizing pain in the area of my left ribs when I take a deep breath. This discomfort, which feels like a sudden stabbing sensation, happens momentarily but is strong enough to leave me short of breath. It’s among the most severe pain I’ve ever experienced. Can someone explain why this occurs? What are the ways to relieve this pain?
Emerging from a Traumatic Brain Injury
I have a question regarding the recovery process after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), but let me first provide some background: A close friend of mine, aged 31, was recently involved in a serious accident and has spent nearly three weeks in the intensive care unit. Initially, she was kept in a medically induced coma; however, the medical team began the process of waking her up about a week ago. Presently, she is able to track the movements of others with her eyes. She has also begun to make some slight movements with her hands and feet, though she has not yet responded to specific verbal commands. Notably, she smiled a few times today upon hearing music. Her awakening process is unfolding differently than I had anticipated, which is causing me some concern. I envisioned her showing more awareness of her surroundings, even if she struggled with speech or mobility. A week ago, the doctors mentioned that, following an extensive rehabilitation period, she could experience "minimal to moderate deficits." This statement confuses me, as her current state appears to indicate significant impairment. Given what I’ve shared, is there a possibility that she might achieve full recovery after several months of rehabilitation?
A Confounding Sensation: Was My Mind Expanding or Bursting?
I’m a 14-year-old assigned female at birth and I’m currently on a regimen that includes 60mg of JORNAY, 325mg of ferrous sulfate, 150mg of sertraline, and a mystery period blocker whose name escapes me. Additionally, I take two women’s multivitamins and a daily dose of vitamin D3 at 2000 units. I want to clarify from the outset that I don’t believe this is an instance of exploding head syndrome. There wasn’t a loud noise, and articulating my experiences, especially when they are so unusual, can be quite challenging. Apologies if my description becomes a bit unclear. I have a history of chronic migraines; it’s just part of my life, and, believe it or not, I had one earlier today that eventually subsided. After about eight hours, I found myself lying in bed browsing on my phone. All was well; I was alert, and there was no discomfort. Suddenly, an unusual sensation washed over me—it felt as though my brain had rapidly inflated or detonated. It wasn’t painful, but the brief sharpness reminded me of the stinging I’ve felt when I accidentally inhale chlorinated pool water. The experience resembled that disorienting moment just before drifting off when your mind deceives you into feeling as though you're plummeting. Instead of that falling sensation, I experienced a peculiar outward rush, like my brain was whooshing inside my skull. Now, about an hour later, I do have a bit of discomfort, but thankfully, there’s no migraine in sight.
Persistent Eye Twitching: Seeking Insight
A 31-year-old male, standing tall at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 210 pounds, has been experiencing daily twitching in his right eye for the past month. The only medication he currently takes is Subutex, dosed at 8 mg twice a day. Recently, he made the decision to stop consuming THC products, including smoking marijuana and using edibles, which he quit three days ago. Since this cessation, he has struggled with poor sleep quality, often only managing around five hours of broken rest per night. As a college student, he faces elevated stress levels. Notably, he underwent PRK eye surgery at the age of 18. The individual wonders whether his symptoms may be attributed to stress and insufficient sleep, or if they could signal a deeper health issue. Thankfully, his vision remains intact and he experiences no pain; the twitching is merely a source of irritation.
Inadvertently Overdosed on Aciclovir: Should I Be Concerned?
I’m a 31-year-old female from the UK, 175 cm tall, and weighing 192 lbs. I was diagnosed with shingles about a week ago. Currently, my prescription includes 800mg of aciclovir taken five times daily, but I just realized that I mistakenly consumed six doses today. I’m anxious about whether this will have any adverse effects on my health. Additionally, I have recently used some co-codamol. I do not have any pre-existing medical issues.