Sinus conditions affect more than 40 million people in the United States each year and Cleveland Clinic says the numbers are on the rise. Earache and temporary hearing loss may occur as a result of recurring sinus infections. While these side effects can be debilitating and interfere with your work and daily functions, there are treatments available that can help. If you suffer from chronic sinus infections with ear infection or hearing loss, you should consult an otolaryngologist, an ear-nose-throat specialist, to discuss your options.
Chronic Sinus Infections
Chronic sinusitis produces inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages that surround the sinuses. The symptoms may include congestion, excessive mucus, pain and tenderness around the eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead, sore throat, cough and earache. In the chronic form of the condition, these signs persist for more than eight weeks and do not respond to treatments. If you also experience sudden high fever, dizziness, severe headache, vision disturbances, stiff neck, swelling in the eyes or forehead or difficulty breathing, you need to seek immediate medical attention. These may be signs of a severe infection or another serious medical condition.
Sinus Infection and Ear Pain
Eustachian tubes are the small canals that connect the middle ear -- which lies behind the eardrum -- to the back of the nose and upper throat. This tube drains fluid from the ear and when it becomes blocked, the accumulation of fluid may cause pain and infection. Chronic sinus infections are one common cause of blocked Eustachian tubes. Other causes are allergies, colds and upper respiratory infection. Some people have narrow Eustachian tubes that are more prone to blockage. On occasion, excess adenoid tissue in the region may be a factor. Changes in atmospheric pressure, such as those experienced when you fly in a plane or scuba dive, can contribute to problems with Eustachian tube function.
Ear Tube Surgery
Ear tubes are typically placed by an ear,nose and throat specialist in a procedure known as a myringotomy. A small incision is made in the eardrum and a tube is placed through it. The surgery may be carried out using a traditional scalpel or with a laser. The ear tubes themselves may be made of plastic, metal or Teflon and may have a special coating to reduce the risk of contamination. The myringotomy procedure has become quite routine; it is usually completed in approximately 15 minutes and requires no hospitalization. In children, the surgery is carried out under general anesthesia; adults and teens may be able to tolerate the procedure without any anesthesia.
Post-surgery Care
After the surgery is complete, you will be monitored for one to two hours and if there are no complications, you will be allowed to leave the hospital. Most people do not experience any pain from the insertion of ear tubes. You may feel groggy, disoriented, irritable or nauseous from the effects of anesthesia, however. If you had experienced problems with hearing loss, your doctor will perform a hearing test after the procedure. Many people experience immediate improvements in hearing due to the removal of fluid. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic ear drops for several days after surgery. Follow post-operative instructions carefully.
Follow-up Care
While you have ear tubes, your doctor may advise that you use ear plugs while swimming or participating in water activities. Ask your doctor how long you will continue to wear ear tubes. Short-term tubes are small and usually fall out on their own after six to 12 months. Long-term tubes contain flanges and remain in place longer. This type is usually removed by an otolaryngologist; if they fall out early, a perforation in the eardrum may occur. This hole can be repaired by an ear, nose and throat surgeon and the tube can be replaced, if needed.
Other Treatments
Ear tubes will relieve earache and loss of hearing caused by chronic sinus infections. You may require additional treatments, however, to reduce other symptoms. Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription-strength decongestant medication to relieve nasal congestion. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain from headache. Saline nasal spray can help to rinse and clear your nasal passages and, because it contains no active drugs, it is generally free of side effects. Your doctor may also opt for a nasal spray containing corticosteroids to reduce inflammation within your sinus passages. For severe infections, oral or injected corticosteroids may be needed. These medications have side effects and are typically prescribed only for short-term use. Make sure your doctor is aware of your medical history and any other medications you are taking.
