Sudden Onset of Ear Pain and Burning After Hospital Visit Despite Protection

[starlight]

I have had reactive tinnitus for a few years now, along with loudness hyperacusis from acoustic trauma. Until recently, I had not experienced pain sensations or noxacusis.

I had to go to the hospital for a completely unrelated issue. I am not sure whether it was the road noise or the noise inside the hospital, but two weeks later, I still have a constant burning sensation in my left ear, even in silence.

I wore ear defenders for the entire car trip and during all the time I spent in the hospital, but I guess that was not enough.

I am really struggling and hoping this will subside.

 

[Scruffiey]

I just cannot understand why this seems to be a completely unheard-of condition to audiologists.

But to answer your question, yes, I have experienced something similar. Mine has gradually improved over several months, although there have been setbacks along the way.

I believe it is partially a stress response, and going to the hospital could definitely trigger that. Unfortunately, there also seems to be a bit of a feedback loop involved, so you have to give it plenty of time, rest, and quiet. Never push through anything that causes pain.

Some people say that making fresh ginger tea helps a bit with the pain.

 

[starlight]

I just cannot understand why this seems to be a completely unheard-of condition to audiologists.

But to answer your question, yes, I have experienced something similar. Mine has gradually improved over several months, although there have been setbacks along the way.

I believe it is partially a stress response, and going to the hospital could definitely trigger that. Unfortunately, there also seems to be a bit of a feedback loop involved, so you have to give it plenty of time, rest, and quiet. Never push through anything that causes pain.

Some people say that making fresh ginger tea helps a bit with the pain.

Did you experience it in one ear or in both ears?

Mine is only in one ear. To complicate things, I have also been coughing up mucus and sneezing, so I might be dealing with some kind of infection. Maybe that is causing the issue or making it worse.

 

[Scruffiey]

Did you experience it in one ear or in both ears?

Mine is only in one ear. To complicate things, I have also been coughing up mucus and sneezing, so I might be dealing with some kind of infection. Maybe that is causing the issue or making it worse.

It was in my right ear with the hearing loss. It did not seem to drift over to the good ear like the tinnitus and hyperacusis did.

It certainly could be that. Or it could be allergies, stress, or wearing defenders for too long, which can cause discomfort.

As with all of this ear stuff, it probably just needs a month or two to settle and see how things go.