How to treat plugged ear and vertigo?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have had one ear plugged completely with limited to no hearing on that side. I have been to the doctor and received Amoxicillin and steroids for it as well as Ciprodex ear drops and a Bromide nasal spray but my ear is still plugged. I woke up last week with this condition and debilitating vertigo as well. This is the first time I have had such debilitating vertigo in general. I went to urgent care and received a shot of Zofran to stop the nausea and purging. The dizziness has tamed down a bit, but still, I get woozy when I turn my head or look up and down. I am worried about the lasting condition of my ear and would love some help as I have not been to an Otolaryngologist yet.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your ear bulging is mostly because of eustachian tube dysfunction and middle ear inflammation. Use nasal decongestant drops as Otrivin while lying down on your back and your head is lower than your whole body (Trendelenburg position). Chewing gums may help in opening the obstructive eustachian tube too.

Now about vertigo, it is now related to certain positions as looking up or down. So, this type of vertigo is related to your inner ear. Many drugs can end this vertigo but it has a dramatic side effect as it destroys the normal compensatory mechanism of your vestibular system. So, the best choice is to get help from an audiovestibular specialist who can help you performing a maneuver (something like physical therapy) in the form of 1 or 2 visits after which the vertigo can be completely treated.