Posted , 2 users are following.
I have had tinnitus, mainly in my left ear, for 2 months. Totally miserable. Noticed yesterday ear was red and hot. Without medical advice I gently spread a very little steroid cream in the ear canal. Today - huge improvement, noise has almost gone. Hurray. Not very scientific. Will the improvement last? Is it coincidence? Hope my gp will give this serious consideration.
0 likes, 2 replies
We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.
tanney joann27123
Posted
Hi Joann. was your exterior ear also painful to the touch and the ear canal itchy? If so and since it was red and hot you might have what is called swimmer's ear which is an infection and inflammation of the ear canal and external ear. The steroid cream you used would have addressed the inflammation, redness, portion and that is why you feel better. If however, the symptoms return then the infection is still there and needs to be cleared via antibiotic (Cipro) ear drops. On the other hand, if you did not have pain/itching the problem was likely something else. Not sure why you would have had tinnitus, though.
Let us know what the doctor says.
joann27123 tanney
Posted
Thank you for responding to my post. I didn't have any itchiness, but my GP described the ear canal as 'dull'. A hearing test has shown a loss of hearing on the left side - not surpriising given the racket my hearing has to compete with. My GP didn't mention 'infection', I'm not sure she would approve of me experimenting with a steroid cream. It continues to be helpful, fear this is only temporary. At my next appointment I shall mention trying antibiotic ear drops. Very much appreciate your help and interest.