Concerns Regarding Ear Health
Over the past decade, I have been experiencing a persistent whooshing sensation in my left ear. This issue has progressively developed to the point where both ears now produce this whooshing sound whenever I swallow. Additionally, I often suffer from left-sided headaches, particularly during periods of congestion, and when I am unwell, my ears feel so blocked that I struggle to hear anything. I sought help from an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, but my concerns were dismissed when he attributed the headaches to potential neurological issues, suggesting I consult a neurologist instead. A subsequent visit to an ear specialist revealed that my hearing is satisfactory but left me feeling frustrated when he recommended vitamins instead of further treatment. The discomfort is overwhelming; I experience almost constant pain in my ears, and even normal sounds, like my children's laughter, can be quite painful. On some days, I find myself feeling quite depressed as I am unable to find relief from this condition. I am desperate for an answer regarding my ear problems, as this is not a sustainable way to live.
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 7:50:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the persistent discomfort and frustration you’ve been experiencing with your ears. It sounds incredibly challenging to deal with the whooshing sounds, pressure, and pain, especially when it impacts your daily life and your interactions with loved ones. I want to help you find some avenues for relief and encourage you in this process.
Key Points:
- Persistent Ear Symptoms: Your ongoing ear symptoms, including the whooshing sound, blocked feeling, and headaches, are significant and warrant attention.
- Impact on Daily Life: The pain and discomfort you're experiencing affect your well-being and potentially your mental health, which is important to acknowledge.
Explanation:
The whooshing or pulsatile tinnitus you described may be related to various factors, such as changes in the Eustachian tube function, vascular issues, or even muscle contractions in the ear. The headaches and feelings of congestion you're experiencing, particularly with sickness, can sometimes tie into sinus pressure or ear dysfunction. It’s understandable that previous consultations haven't provided the clarity or relief you're seeking, leaving you feeling frustrated.
Next Steps:
-
Symptom Diary: Begin tracking your symptoms closely over the next few weeks, noting when the whooshing, pain, or headaches occur and what might be contributing factors (e.g., levels of physical activity, diet, or stress). This can help identify patterns or triggers.
-
Nasal Irrigation: Consider using a saline nasal spray or performing nasal irrigation to help alleviate congestion and keep your Eustachian tubes clear. This can sometimes reduce pressure in the ears.
-
Ear Pressure Techniques: When you feel blocked, try the Valsalva maneuver (closing your mouth, pinching your nose shut, and gently blowing) to help equalize pressure in your ears. Do this gently, as excessive force can cause harm.
-
Manage Pain: Over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort when needed. Be sure to follow dosage instructions.
-
Stress Management: Given the impact on your emotional well-being, consider engaging in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises. These can also assist in managing headaches.
-
Follow-Up: If your symptoms persist or worsen despite these self-care measures, you may want to seek a second opinion from another ENT specialist. It may be worth discussing the possibility of a more comprehensive evaluation regarding both your ear symptoms and headaches.
-
Support System: Finally, don't underestimate the importance of speaking with someone about how you’ve been feeling. Therapeutic support, whether through a counselor or a support group, can be beneficial in managing the emotional toll of chronic discomfort.
I hope these steps provide a starting point towards finding some relief and understanding the underlying causes of your symptoms. Remember that it’s important to advocate for your health, and sometimes it takes persistence to find the right answers and treatments.
Related Questions
Seeking Insights on Chronic Oral Ulcers in Elderly Woman: Treatment Challenges
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out regarding my mother, who is 70 years old and struggling with severe and ongoing oral lesions. For the past few weeks, she has endured significant discomfort, and we are searching for answers as well as any shared experiences from others. **Symptoms:** - Discomforting sores beneath her tongue and along her inner cheeks - Noticeable redness and swelling in both her mouth and throat - A persistent burning sensation - Alterations in her voice, possibly due to throat irritation - Symptoms temporarily alleviate with prednisone, but worsen upon tapering the dosage **Current Treatment Plan:** - Recently initiated treatment with 25 mg of dapsone - Prior to this, she was on 15 mg of prednisone for nearly 19 days - After reducing the prednisone to 10 mg, her symptoms escalated - Unfortunately, dapsone has yet to provide any marked improvement **Medical Evaluations:** - Her case has been assessed by her primary physician - Consultations have also taken place with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist - Additionally, a rheumatology evaluation was conducted As of now, lab tests have been performed, but there are no conclusive results. She is not experiencing any significant gastrointestinal symptoms, and there has been no indication of eye-related issues. **Questions for the Community:** - Has anyone experienced intense autoimmune oral inflammation similar to this? - Has dapsone been effective for you? - Did you need to progress treatment to azathioprine or biologic medications? - Have any of you encountered Behçet’s or Crohn’s disease primarily manifesting in the oral cavity at this age? We are eager to gather insights from those who may have faced comparable health challenges and learn about potential remedies that have proven effective. Thank you for your help!
Persistent Ear Infection: Seeking Additional Help
A male in his twenties is facing ongoing ear infection challenges despite treatments. Medical history includes allergies, a high level of IgE at 1300, angioedema, urticaria, and eczema. Based in the UK, he shares his predicament in search of advice. Hello, I have been suffering from an ear infection that has lasted for three months now. I experience drainage from the ear, and this has triggered eczema flare-ups in the surrounding skin. The discharge is a clear yellow with a hint of red observed on one occasion. My general practitioner prescribed dexamethasone and ciprofloxacin ear drops, which I have used twice over the course of a week. Additionally, they conducted a microsuction procedure on my ears and collected a swab for analysis. Currently, I'm using an acetic acid spray, which I have also been applying for a week; however, I am nearing the completion of this treatment and the infection persists. What steps should I take next? Is it advisable for me to consult another specialist? Thank you for your help.
Dealing with Ongoing Sciatica Pain for Over Three Weeks
Hello doctors! I’m a 24-year-old woman, standing at 165 cm and weighing about 58 kg. I have a smoking habit and am currently not taking any medications. My journey with leg pain began over three weeks ago, specifically in my right leg. I reached out to my physician after a week of struggling with a noticeable limp, at which point they prescribed diclofenac at a dosage of 75 mg for a couple of days. The relief was significant, but unfortunately, the pain returned almost as intense as before once I stopped the medication. I ended up at the hospital where they administered diclofenac injections. While my limp has improved somewhat, the pain persists in my right buttock and lower back. Additionally, there are moments when my leg below the knee feels strange or dizzy. My lower back makes frequent cracking noises, almost every couple of minutes, which is quite alarming. The medical professionals who have evaluated me, including myself, don’t suspect a herniated disc; we believe my discomfort is related to posture and prolonged sitting. However, they were surprised that the pain has not subsided with treatment. Currently, I find relief only when lying on my stomach, though they advised me to try lying on my back, which proves too painful. What steps should I take now? Should I continue to monitor my condition, or is there a more proactive approach I should consider? I can tolerate the situation for now, but I’m feeling a bit anxious about it. Thank you for your guidance!
Unexpected Stiffness and Other Symptoms: My Experience
Hello there. I'm a 20-year-old female from the UK, standing around 5 feet tall. Earlier today, while I was lying in bed watching some videos, I suddenly sensed that something was amiss. It wasn't a cold or flu feeling, just an odd sense of discomfort. Feeling unwell, I decided to take a short nap for about 30 minutes. Once I awoke, I made my way downstairs to grab a glass of water. I chatted briefly with my housemate for a couple of minutes, but soon after, a wave of discomfort hit me. I began to feel dizzy and nauseous, prompting me to excuse myself to the kitchen where I leaned over the sink, fearing I might vomit—something I haven't done in a decade. At that moment, my legs, knees, and arms were overcome with a tingling sensation akin to pins and needles, rendering me unable to stand, so I found a seat. I realized this was serious and called out to my housemate. Thankfully, she rushed to my side. I leaned against her while the tingling persisted in my limbs. I felt a strong urge to vomit again but only managed to retch, tasting something unpleasant. The tingling then spread to my face, but thankfully that subsided quickly. All other areas of my body seemed normal, but I began to notice something strange: my hands had grown stiff and rigid, curling involuntarily. My long nails pressed into my palms, rendering me unable to move them, which felt terrifying—almost as if I was experiencing paralysis. We remained in that position for about 20 minutes, during which I also suffered from a cramp in my leg and foot while seated. Gradually, the symptoms began to fade away. At the moment, I’m eating and hydrating, feeling somewhat better. However, I can’t shake the fear of what just happened; I’ve never experienced anything like this before. As a precaution, I’m taking tomorrow off work and planning to visit a walk-in center to get a professional evaluation of my condition.
Concern Over Throat Irritation
A week ago, I began experiencing some discomfort in my throat, initially brushing it off as minor. However, by last week, I took a closer inspection and discovered a small cold sore located in the rear of my mouth. In response, I started gargling with saltwater. Reflecting on the previous days, I suspect I may have been jabbed by a chip while eating, which could be the cause of this irritation. Since that time, the sore has significantly increased in size, although my throat feels somewhat improved. Should I be worried about this situation?