Fluid behind ear drum

[JennoB]

I started with T in March 2024. It started in the left ear. The Dr said it looked like a mild ear infection. I used antibiotics and it cleared up but the T continued. I had ear wax removal as the Dr said this could also be the cause. I had been on holiday 2 weeks before this started but before then there was a tiny hiss, barely noticeable.

The person who did the removal explained there was a lot of white cloud/mucus behind both ear drums and asked about congestion. I've been using Mometasone for 7 weeks. About a month and a half ago it started it my right ear but it isn't as noticeable. The sound in the left ear stays the same as is a constant noise, like a hoover/extractor fan. I'm hoping the spray will help but it's also very difficult to know exactly what is causing it and if I can try something else to reduce the noise.

I'm on the waiting list for the ENT in the UK. I've looked up glue ear. I also have farmers fields at the back of my house and moved in just before the T started. I've not had any issues with my ears in the past.

I sleep with ear buds (foam) and have done for a long time. I'm hoping for any advise or tips as at the moment I'm stuck in limbo without being able to discuss anything with an ENT to narrow down the cause.

Thanks

[Happyrosie]

hello JennoB. Here on this forum we can’t help you with causes. Tinnitus can be caused - as you know - by too much wax, or infections, continued loud noises or indeed by nothing at all.

What we might be able to help you is with ways to deal with tinnitus. When you first get it, it can seem overwhelming. The primitive part of your brain is telling you “there’s something strange around the corner, be alert!”. And this stops keeps you from being calm and in control.

The secret is “habituation” which can be hard to achieve. If I can give you an example of habituation not to do with tinnitus: I moved to a flat on a main road into London and the noise of traffic was relentless. As soon as I fell asleep there would be a motorbike, or a police siren, or a group of rowdies just out of the pub. After a few nights of disrupted sleep I was distraught. But within a few weeks it became just part of life.

That's habituation.

Please have a look at the website of Tinnitus UK for hints and tips.

I hope other posters will join in, with their hits and tips.