Sinuses, allergies, ringing, oh my!!! - Sinus Problems Message Board

awilki01 · 07-31-2003, 05:58 PM

I have off and on spells of sinus pain on my forehead, under my eyes, in my teeth, the side of my head, and sometimes behind my eyes. During all of this, I have never had a runny nose. Occasionally, I feel a little stopped up, but mainly I just feel pressure and the resulting pain. Sometimes the pain and pressure resides on one side. During all of this, I have had constant ringing in my left ear regardless if I had a good week or two with the sinus issues. I have been to two ENTs and the first did a ear tympanogram test that verified my eardrums moved right (which they did) and gave me a hearing test. Apparently, I have slight high frequency hearing loss in my left ear and borderline in my right (probably from all the time I spent in the power plants on the ship while I was in the Navy). The second ENT said he saw nothing wrong and to come back in two months for a hearing test - to see if there might be something progressive happening. He gave me Flonase for the sinus pressure.

Sometimes the ringing gets sooooo bad. I think there is more to this than just slight hearing loss in my left ear. I have learned to deal with it, but the sinus pressure and resulting headaches just seem to compound the problem.

I really want an answer to my ringing and sinus issues. My next step is to see an allergist to rule out allergies. Do you all think I'm going down the right path in seeing an allergy specialist? Is it possible for me to have allergies with these symptoms? Again, I have no runny nose or any other "typical" allergy symptoms i.e. sneezing, coughing, etc.....

Please give thoughts.....

Thanks in advance...

BritNC · 08-22-2003, 05:56 PM

I have suffered with allergies and sinus problems for some time now,I am fortunate to work in a medical environment where I am able to research the med texts. I have discover that you have to be your own advocate and with most docs, really push to get them to look further. If not, they'll write you a prescription... you'll keep returning presenting with the same or worsened symptoms.
I think you should go to an allergist first and depending on the outcome, you may need to refer back to an ENT for a CAT scan & further investigation. X-rays do not show all sinus problems. For hard to diagnose cases of chronic sinusitis, many docs miss the diagnosis, I've even heard of them treat the patient for depression instead of the real problem - be persistent, don't assume they are taking in every detail of your misery.
Know that with allergies that may cause sinusitis, you may not have a runny nose due to the swelling which also results in pain & pressure, the mucous cannot drain out. This can cause sinus infection(s). The swelling can cause facial pain & puffiness, ear pain & disturbances, buzzing and ringing, dizziness, spaced out feeling, tiredness and many other symptoms. Sometimes, you may feel you can't get enough oxygen...it's all very weird. With this, you may notice the change in weather affects you, as you'll start with the fullness a day or 2 before it. at the first sign, take ibuprofin if it is not forbidden by your doc, it will reduce the swelling better than anything else.
For now, the Flonase should help,it'll take a few days to be noticable. Be careful to squirt it toward the outer lining of the nose, tilt your head down slightly & try not to let it hit the nasal lining, this can cause bleeding. Good luck to you!