I don't know if I've posted about this before but I would love to get some insight on this one. I have had an ear ache in my left ear that comes and goes for the last four months. I have also noticed that I now have some hearing loss in that ear and pretty much constant ringing in the ears which seems to be more in the right. I do have some nausea first thing in the morning and my appetite has been off for some time but I'm not sure this is related to the ear thing. No dizziness.
I have been to my primary care doctor for it and he tried treating it with antibiotics (even though there's no obvious infection). This didn't seem to help. I am also being seen by a neurologist for some neuro issues (tingling, cramping in legs and tremors in hands and balance issues). They didn't see anything related to the ear on MRI of brain. Just some nonspecific small white spots that they don't seem to be too worried about.
The primary wants to send me to an audiologist which will take awhile. I am worried that if I wait too long I will have permanent hearing loss.
My question is, does anyone else experience this and do you have any idea what this is? Is it autoimmune? Should I be concerned? Should I call my rheumy?
On a side note - I am soooo tired of having one issue after the other.........
You sound like you are describing me! My right ear always feels full and it hurts a lot of the time. I have gotten no explanation from any of the docs I have seen- PCP, rheumy and ENT. They all just throw up their hands and attribute it to my MCTD. And I too get so very tired of all the stuff that continually arises with this crappy disease.
I’ve battle with my left year for a yearish, feels like a chronic ear infection, roaring, and lots of pain. …called my primary first thinking I had a ear and throat infection(had an area on the left side of my throat on fire too)infection. She said the inner ear deep down was very red and gave me antibiotics and I took more advil than usual for a week. .The ear and throat pain never went away so I just assumed since I have severe SLE and I’ve never had a remission it’s a" normal" symptom and never made a deal about it to my rheumatologist…flash forward to today!I’ve been diagnosed with relapsing polychondritis, it destroys the cartilage in the inner and top outer ear, throat, larynx, bronchial tree and in my case several other joints. .now she’s finally sending to the ENT yaaay! my point is please tell your rheumatologist ASAP! Hearing loss can be irreversible not to mention annoying . .my story is very sever, rare and unlikely for most people …so not trying to freak you out but better safe than sorry like me xoxoxo
Hi DawnCeleste I know it’s pretty rare to have ear stuff. You make a good case for giving my Rheumatologist a call as you said just to be on the safe side. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. It’s just so helpful to have people to ask. I really don’t know what I’d do without all of you. Xoxoxo
