Ear Infection, Wax on Drum & Severe Tinnitus.

[Seedubb]

Hello,

I've been suffering with mild tinnitus since the start of this year, along with dizzy spells and other slight ear issues. The tinnitus seemed to start after a bout of altitude sickness in Colombia. I've been visiting this forum for a while but only just felt the need to post with my new symptoms.

I am overseas on a 3 week trip, and for the past 5 days have been almost deaf in my right ear, apart from incredibly loud tinnitus. I thought it was just wax blocked, and mistakenly used some Otex drops 4 times over 2 days. The ear then completely blocked but it took us 4 days to find an ENT specialist here in Sri Lanka.

He removed some wax with a long swab, and it felt amazing for 10 seconds, until he went in again and it blocked up again. He said he could see wax/something on my ear drum but didn't want to remove it as my ear drum seemed swollen. He prescribed me Augmentin 625mg for an infection and said to get them cleaned when the infection has gone.

The short of it is, I am terrified there is permanent damage from the Otex, or the tinnitus won't fade after the infection. I've never had T from an infection before, has anyone had any experience of this, or any knowledge of T & ear fulness just from wax on the ear drum?

Sorry, long post, and I've tried checking the forums out but we're super short on wi-fi time here. I'm just terrified and it's totally ruining my trip. T is louder than I have ever heard it before and I'm anxious about taking 2 flights home with inner ear issues.

Any help or advice appreciated!

Thanks.

 

[glynis]

Steam inhalation and Sudafed will help clear mucous from your tubes as well as your meds.
Use olive oil to soften ear wax prior to wax removal to soften any crusted wax.
Love glynis

 

[Seedubb]

Thanks Glynis, I'll be sure to try the steam and Sudafed when I get home, not for another couple of weeks yet though.

The ENT told me not to use any drops or oil until the infection has died down, and told me to keep the ear dry.

Thinking back, my T started a week after I had my ears irrigated in January. I am apprehensive to have them cleaned in this way again. Is there another, safer way T sufferers can have wax removed?

My ears are cracking with every little jaw movement, is this a sign of the tubes being blocked still?

 

[glynis]

@Seedubb ,
Your tubes will clear over time and the two thing I mentioned will help.
Ear srynging or microsuction or manually removing wax are the three options.
Softening the wax prior to removal makes it easier to remove the wax reducing any inflammation.
Love glynis