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Is it normal to have trouble hearing after an upper respiratory tract infection?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had an upper respiratory tract infection three weeks ago, and my left ear became muffled and unpopped. I am having trouble hearing but do not have pain. My doctor said it was an ear infection that would go away. I tried nasal decongestants and warm clothes to relieve pressure, but nothing helped. I want to try Ciprodex eardrops to see if it will help. Should I be worried because I do not want this to be a permanent conductive hearing loss?

Answered by Dr. Shyam Kalyan N

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shyam Kalyan N is an Allergy Specialist and ENT Specialist with more than eleven years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS at the Madras Medical College, DLO at the KLE University, and DNB at the National Board of Examinations. He has acquired AASC degree in the field of Allergology and DOHNS-A from Royal College of Surgeons, England. He has done enormous research in the field of Allergic Rhinitis & Sinusitis. He has presented work papers at various national and international conferences and won many accolades. He deals with the surgical and medical management of head and neck conditions. He loves his work tremendously and makes sure that he gives the best care to his patients. He is versed with the recent advances in his field and provides the latest treatment protocol to patients. He is conversant in six languages. His patients, colleagues, seniors, and mentors have loved him enormously in his previous roles. Currently practicing in PSG Hospitals, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern. You are suffering from serous otitis media, a fluid collection behind the ear drum. It usually occurs after an upper respiratory tract infection which causes the blockage of the eustachian tube opening in the nose. The condition tends to remain if not treated adequately. The treatment involves decongestants, nasal sprays, and anti-inflammatory medicines. You will have to take these medicines for about two to three weeks. A confirmatory test for the condition is tympanometry which measures the middle ear pressure. I suggest you get the test done, which will act as a baseline now. Do write back to us for any more support.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At November 19, 2022
Reviewed At September 10, 2023

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shyam Kalyan N is an Allergy Specialist and ENT Specialist with more than eleven years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS at the Madras Medical College, DLO at the KLE University, and DNB at the National Board of Examinations. He has acquired AASC degree in the field of Allergology and DOHNS-A from Royal College of Surgeons, England. He has done enormous research in the field of Allergic Rhinitis & Sinusitis. He has presented work papers at various national and international conferences and won many accolades. He deals with the surgical and medical management of head and neck conditions. He loves his work tremendously and makes sure that he gives the best care to his patients. He is versed with the recent advances in his field and provides the latest treatment protocol to patients. He is conversant in six languages. His patients, colleagues, seniors, and mentors have loved him enormously in his previous roles. Currently practicing in PSG Hospitals, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shyam Kalyan N is an Allergy Specialist and ENT Specialist with more than eleven years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS at the Madras Medical College, DLO at the KLE University, and DNB at the National Board of Examinations. He has acquired AASC degree in the field of Allergology and DOHNS-A from Royal College of Surgeons, England. He has done enormous research in the field of Allergic Rhinitis & Sinusitis. He has presented work papers at various national and international conferences and won many accolades. He deals with the surgical and medical management of head and neck conditions. He loves his work tremendously and makes sure that he gives the best care to his patients. He is versed with the recent advances in his field and provides the latest treatment protocol to patients. He is conversant in six languages. His patients, colleagues, seniors, and mentors have loved him enormously in his previous roles. Currently practicing in PSG Hospitals, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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