Ear feeling blocked

[TOBYJAMS]

Hi i am currently suffering with dizzy spells and hearing loss, I have been back and forever the doctors for quite some time, my ear feels like it is permanent blocked but when my ear is looked at there is no blockage there is this a symptom of AN? Many thanks.

[flappers]

Hi Tobyjams! The trouble with Googling stuff is that we can easily freak ourselves right out! And there are so many things that can cause dizziness and blocked ear feeling. Those were NOT symptoms for me, it was sudden onset of screaming tinnitus in one ear, with hearing loss in that ear that was by main thing. Was enough for my gp to order an MRI. It must be troubling you a lot, can you ask for an ENT referral who will be able to look more into possible causes for you. I hope it’ll be easily resolved and you don’t join our AN club, but in the very very unlikely event you do, this is a great place for support and advice and it’s treatable and not going to kill any of us!!! Good luck! ( Google is not your friend) x

[Pinkrose1]

Those were my symptoms and it was only found when one doctor put me in for an MRI but as flappers said it can still be due to a number of other things so ask for an MRI to rule out the possibility of it being an AN. Hope all goes well for you

[Happy-Singer]

I have been diagnosed with AN.I had gamma knife surgery in November.

My symptoms when starting were intermittent hearing loss (no hearing in that ear now), I am so dizzy can't tell you.

I felt that got worse after treatment. I also have tinnitus.

I am due to go for an ENT apt on 7 March, I think they may fit me with hearing aids and got an apt for vestibular rehab too this may help with the dizziness.

[QueenieV]

Hey! Your story resonates with me!! I’m August 21 I went to my GP with headaches, hearing loss, tinnitus screaming and loss of balance. She told me there was nothing she could do for the tinnitus and prescribed me pain killers! I felt sooo let down and not listened to. I had my ears checked out- no wax or infection. I went to Specsavers and had an audiology test which came back ok but I had the chance to vent to the audiologist. She was an absolute star and listened to me. She sent a referral letter to my GP to get an ENT appointment. NHS wait time to see an ENT consultant in my area is 63weeks wait. I am lucky to have private medical insurance so got to an ENT consultant in December and had an MRI scan just before Christmas, diagnosis in January. I think what I’m trying to say is you know your body so be persistent.

PS I too used Dr Goggle and self diagnosed but was still extremely shocked with the actual diagnosis.

Wishing you the best of luck 🤞🏽

[TOBYJAMS in reply to QueenieV]

Thanks for the reply, I have been refered to ENT, I have had a mouth guard due to the dentist saying it is TMG it helps a bit but the symptoms are still the same, fingers crossed I get answers soon, Good luck to you to.

[QueenieV in reply to TOBYJAMS]

I have worn a mouth guard at night for years because I grind my teeth. It’s good to eliminate possible causes but don’t let it drop if things still don’t feel right! Best of luck.

[SunFairy]

Hello Tobyjams

The ear feeling blocked or full is a symptom of AN and was one of my symptoms along with hearing loss, tinnitus and being off balance, I have had other symptoms to but only discovered that they were related to the AN after my diagnosis and SRT. You would need an MRI for the diagnosis, ANs are very slow growing so I would try not to worry too much. I would keep going back to the GP/ENT until you are satisfied they have got to the route of your problems. Good luck and stay positive it may not be an AN, and if it is you will be ok.

[TOBYJAMS in reply to SunFairy]

Thankyou, i have had a hearing test and my hearing is lower in the left, have also had a referral so fingers crossed I won't be long.

[SunFairy in reply to TOBYJAMS]

That's good you have a referral now, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.