What could cause pain in the ears in a person that worsens while taking a flight?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been experiencing ear pain since a month and that pain continues to grow when travelling via flight and one ear stops functioning and it feels like there is some sort of liquid movement in my ear. I have consulted an ENT(ear, nose, throat) specialist doctor and what he said was that it is mostly due to the usage of mobile phones and it resulted in the weakening of the nerves and he also added that it might lead to an infection which may follow up to the brain. I have the audiometry report and an impedance audiometry. No medication was provided after the consultation. I am not actually sure what to do no. Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern. You are having eustachian tube dysfunction. the ear popping while flying is due to pressure changes and eustachian tube blockage. Even your reports say so. (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). You are having mixed hearing loss which means there is some nerve loss too but that loss is not causing you ear blockage symptoms. Please tell me do you have any frequent nasal or throat infections as these are the most common cause also tell me what medicines are you taking. Follow up with the required information so that I can suggest you better. Regards.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Eustachian tube blockage can be treated both medically and if medical therapy fails, then surgery is required. (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). You should take a combination of Levocetirizine (Xyzal) and Phenylephrine (Vazculep) twice daily and nasal drops three times a day. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with them, and take the medicines with their consent. Take steam inhalation and chew gum that will also help decongest the tube. Get an X-ray of the paranasal sinuses done and send me the pictures so that I can suggest you further. Mild neural loss is probably age-related as it is common after 45 years of age. Follow up with the reports. Regards.