Dr. Akshay. B. K.
Otolaryngology (E.N.T)
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have reccurring pain in one of my ears and I often hear a crackling or rustling sound in it. I also get an echo in the same ear when I hear loud noises. I had problems with my ears as a child and had grommets fitted in both ears. I examined the painful ear with a small camera, which appeared different from the other ear. I am currently taking tablets Perindopril and Fluoxetine. Kindly help. Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have gone through the images you have attached (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), and it seems to be a retraction in the attic with multiple tympanosclerotic patches. 1. Do you have a history of ear discharge in the past? 2. Could you please upload some more images of the ear? Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply. Yes, I will add more images. I have not had any discharge from the ears. I had grommets as a child to drain fluid from my ears. Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
As I had said earlier, the images (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity) indicate retraction of your tympanic membrane. So the pain could be due to either of the following two reasons. (Consult a specialist, talk with them and take medications with their consent.) 1. Eustachian tube dysfunction - This is probably the case here since you told me you had multiple grommet insertions. It is done in cases of serous otitis media due to eustachian tube dysfunction. For this condition, you would have to take steam inhalation two to three times a day, Valsalva exercises 15 to 20 times a day, and you can also use three drops of Xylometazoline (Alpha-adrenergic agonist) nasal drops three times a day. 2. Temporomandibular joint arthritis - Open your mouth and press over your temporomandibular joint area, and if there is pain, then the diagnosis is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis. For temporomandibular joint arthritis, you can follow these measures. 1. Take painkiller tablets like Aceclofenac or Diclofenac (Non-streoidal anti-inflammatory drug). 2. Apply Diclofenac gel over the temporomandibular joint area. 3. Do hot fomentation over the temporomandibular joint area. 4. Avoid chewing hard foods for 15 days on the side if there is pain. I hope this has helped you. Thank you.
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Otolaryngology (E.N.T)
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