Question:
Hello, I've been having discomfort and pain in my ears when I fly and
I had an ENT examine me. He suggested having pressure equalization
tubes placed in my ears. The procedure was done this friday (March 11)
and afterwards, I noticed that my right ear felt "plugged" and I could
not hear as well with it. It feels very weird being able to hear more
with my left ear than my right. Also, there is a constant ringing in
that same ear (the right one). I contacted him and he said that it is
probably due to the antibiotic he put into my right ear and that it
would clear up and go away once it's dried up. He did not put
antibiotics in my left ear because he felt that they were not needed.
The ENT also gave me drops to put into my ears the day of the
procedure and the day afterwards. They are called FLOXIN OTIC
(ofloxacin otic solution). I've used up both drops for both ears and I
was wondering if they were supposed to cause some pain when I used
them. The first set of drops caused both of my ears some pain, but on
the second day, only the right ear had pain. Since it is the weekend,
I am unable to contact my doctor for answers so I would appreciate any
information from here. Thanks

Answer:
Hey Guest, how are you doing? The most common reported adverse
reactions in clinical trials in Acute Otitis Media patients with
Tympanostomy Tubes (AOM-TT) and Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media
(CSOM) patients treated twice daily with FLOXIN Otic (n=656) were
taste perversion (unusual taste) (7%); earache (1%), pruritus
(itching) (1%), paraesthesia (numbness or tingling) (1%), rash (1%)
and dizziness (1%). Patients who have not improved after one week of
treatment should be evaluated by their healthcare provider. The
most common reported adverse reactions in 3 clinical trials (n=799) in
OE patients treated once daily with FLOXIN Otic were application site
reaction (discomfort upon application) (0.6%-16.8%), pruritus
(itching) (1%-1.2%), earache (0.6%-0.8%), dizziness (0.0%-0.6%), and
headache (0.2%-0.3%). In 2 of these clinical studies (n=310), the
higher application site reaction rate resulted from the specific
questioning of subjects. Even with PE tubes, you may still develop
an ear infection. Often this is associated with irritability and ear
drainage. However, as long as the PE tube is functioning, the
infections should be less severe and less frequent. If you suspect an
ear infection please give your physician a call. You may need a course
of oral antibiotics and eardrops. As the eardrum grows the tubes
are gradually pushed out. The residual hole in the eardrum usually
closes within a few days after the tube falls out. Infrequently, the
ENT doctor might need to remove the PE tubes. Water precautions are
recommended for some patients. This may require the use of a cotton
ball with petroleum jelly, earplugs or a swimmer's headband to prevent
water from entering the ear canal. For those patients who are allowed
to get their ears wet in a pool, they shouldnt dive too far below the
surface of the water. The pressure from this activity may cause water
to enter the middle ear. Best wishes,

Answer:
I was wondering if the symptoms I have are common after the PE tubes
are placed. The weird thing is that my right ear is the only one with
the symptoms. I hear a constant ringing noise and it sounds as if I
can't hear as well with it. Prior to the PE tubes being placed, I had
no ear infection of any kind. The only reason they were placed is to
allow my ears to equalize during flight. So there was nothing
wrong with my ears except that they could not equalize because the
estuchian tube was being blocked by congestion from allergies. I had
no ear infections of any kind and I had no problem with hearing or
ringing in my ears. After the tubes were placed, my right ear has had
this constant ringing and feels "plugged" and sounds seem muffled. Are
these normal complications and will they go away or do I need to see
my doctor?

Answer:
I had fluid retention in my right ear due to allergy and I was feeling
full. Dr did hearing test and tymphnaic test. My hearing was normal,
but ear drum was not moving for my both ear. He had inserted PE tube
in both ear. My left ear, I hear the ruffled noise and I am feeling
both ear plugged. When I hold my both nostril and try to blow to pop,
There is heavy force of air coming out through my left ear. What
should I do. Should I take the PE tube out? are there any medicine to
relieve the symptom. Thank you. JB