Ear filled with fluid for 3+ weeks - Ear, Nose & Throat Message Board

GreenGal77 · 03-15-2009, 11:15 PM

My left ear filled with fluid a little over three weeks ago, and is refusing to drain. I saw my doctor for the third or fourth time on Friday, and even they seemed confused. Said they usually only see something like this in children (I'm 26). The ear appears dull and the drum is not realy moving, my hearing is impaired and there is a lot of debris. It doesn't even seem to be wax, even the doctor wasn't sure what it is.

I have tried just about everything...allergy medications, different and/or more allergy medications, decongestants, steroid nasal spray and now I've got antibiotic/steroid ear drops. They remain convinced it isn't infected, but gave me the drops anyways because they weren't sure what else to do. However, even with the drops it seems to be getting worse. Tonight I got up and all of a sudden my hearing was far more impaired than before. I'm having dizzy spells and quite a bit of pain.

Anyone have any alternative suggestions? I might try and see if I can get in to see a chiropractor or massage therapist tomorrow...not sure what else to do. They mentioned the possibility of an ENT referral for surgery, but I'm not even sure what that would entail. They wanted to follow up in ten days (the course of the drops) but I assume since I've lost most of my hearing now I should follow-up sooner?

Thanks!

swig · 03-19-2009, 09:34 PM

Hello, I'm sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. You should see an ENT and get their opinion. You may need to have tubes put in your ear to drain the fluid. I too have been having ear trouble for three months now. I started out with a sinus and double ear infection which cleared up with antibiotics. however, I am left with constant pain in my right ear and I have tried everything. I no longer have fluid, just awful pressure and pain. I would get to an ENT sooner than later. 10 more days seems too long. Good luck to you!

mollybear1 · 03-26-2009, 01:15 AM

i had the same thing and i had to get my ear drain my doctors and after i had surgry and its better its dry now

mollybear1 · 03-26-2009, 01:17 AM

the drops im useing now are called ciprodex and work well ask your doctor about this one may help