Question: My left ear is always plugged up and makes a cracking sound. I went to the doctor and had a hearing test done. He said there is nothing wrong. Do you have any thoughts about what might be causing it and what I can do?
Dr. Hibberd’s answer:
Your symptoms sound very much like the external or middle ear has retained fluid. This can be identified by a physical exam with tympanometry, which is used to identify middle ear fluid. Incidentally, it is quite possible to have normal hearing screen results with small amounts of fluid in your middle or external ear.
A complete hearing evaluation by an audiologist may show subtle changes not noted by your doctor's screening test. Request more evaluation or referral to an ear, nose, and throat specialist to have this investigated further.
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