What is the cause of difficulty in hearing in elderly?

Hello,

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I read your query and understand your concern. There is absolutely nothing that you need to worry about as this is a very common treatable entity we come across. It is very unlikely that there is wax still left if you have shown it to an ENT surgeon. So, coming to the point, there is a possibility you have developed what we call Eustachian tube catarrh, which has developed secondary to upper respiratory inflammation (sore throat). The eustachian tube basically ventilates the nose and the ear. In a situation where it does not function, a negative pressure develops in the side of the ear leading to a possible feeling of vacuum, ringing sounds, a feeling of fluid in the ear, and sometimes decreased hearing as well. This can be treated by attempting to open the tube with the following advice. 1. Use decongestant nasal drops containing Oxymetazoline or Xylometazoline three drops three times a day for one week. 2. Take a tablet containing a combination of Phenylephrine and Levocetirizine two times a day after food, 12 hours apart for one week. 3. Doing Valsalva exercises. You can follow a video on the internet for the same. 4. Taking steam three to four times a day. 5. Refrain from the use of earbuds. 6. Avoid having anything cold or spicy for the next two weeks. 7. Please take care to avoid dust exposure, all nasal allergies have to be treated in a proper manner, failing which the catarrh will recur. 8. You can consider Duonase (Fluticasone propionate and Azelastine) nasal spray or its equivalent, two puffs in each nostril, two times a day for six weeks. 9. Saltwater gargles at least five to six times a day for 10 days. This typically takes around two to four weeks for things to settle down. Once the nasal allergies have settled down the fluid in the ear will slowly reduce and its associated symptoms (tinnitus, decreased hearing, etc) will disappear. I hope this has helped you. Thank you for consulting me. You can always come back and reach me at icliniq.com.