Hello Doctor,
I've had COVID and two colds in the past year, each time leading to my ear getting clogged and affecting my hearing for weeks. This has happened three times this year, totaling around four months of no hearing in one ear. My primary care physician has me on two OTC decongestants and now a steroid. How long should I wait before seeing an ENT specialist? Are there prescription medications that might decongest better than OTC options?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and Hearing Impact:
1. A runny nose (cold) can affect hearing.
2. Dysfunction of the eustachian tube, which connects the nose and ear, is often the cause.
Possible Causes of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction:
1. Nasal allergies
2. Deviated nasal septum
3. Other nasal pathologies
Consultation with an ENT Specialist:
Recommended to rule out underlying nasal pathology contributing to hearing issues.
Treatment and Recovery:
1. Eustachian tube dysfunction may take time to settle.
2. Patience and adherence to prescribed precautions and treatments are important for recovery.
Thanks
