Question 1

is it normal for young children to have recurring fluid buildup in the ear behind the eardrum?

Accepted Answer

Fluid: It isnt normal but it is common.  The eustachian tubes dont work well until age 7 or 8.  If fluid build up is causing hearing loss or speech problems, then pressure equalizing tubes may be very helpful.  If fluid build-up lasts more than a couple months or occurs more than 3 times per year then tubes may help.  See ent.

Question 2

are there really definitive tests that show an inner ear fluid buildup that may result in dizziness as a main physical symtom?

Accepted Answer

Some: Tympanometry testing can tell if there is fluid in the middle ear, which can cause dizziness. The inner ear, however, is a little more involved to test as there are a number of tests to do to fully assess the inner ear as it is nearly impossible to access. There are different hearing and nerve tests that can be done, but i'm not sure one could definitively tell you there's fluid in the inner ear.

Question 3

my ears feel like they are stopped up, hurt, and pop. i've been to 3 docs (said they looked fine). history of middle ear and fluid buildup problems. ?

Accepted Answer

Pop Pop Fizz Fizz...: "There's more than meets the eye" -anon (and a feeble mind, I might add). OK so it looks OK. You probably need a test to measure the reactivity of your inner ear structures as well as how your ear drum is functioning ("Tympanometry"). These help measure the pressures, etc inside that may be causing your symptoms. Go see an ENT doc or Audiologist. And take care if you fly or drive to altitude.

Question 4

my 3 yo has tubes and wax buildup. ent suggested h20 and vinegar. he screamed a lot. so they told to stop. now ear is draining wax and fluid. normal?

Accepted Answer

Probably : It's probably the consequence of putting in water and vinegar. I suggest that you make an appointment with your doctor(either pediatrician or ent) to confirm that the wax build up is better.

Question 5

ear has wax and fluid buildup. doc said no infection but tragus is swollen and ear is hurting. ear infection?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: You note ear wax and fluid build up.  You note a doctor said no infection.  You have pain and think it is infection. It is unlikely that you have an infection but I don't know your age, risks, symptoms beside pain.
In the summer it could be that you have build up and pain from allergies.  The sneezing and inflammation can cause fluid build up.  If persists then revisit your doctor for treatments

Question 6

fluid buildup on the inner ear, no infection. have vertigo, doctor prescribed valium 2mg and is helping somewhat. anyway to rid fluid quickly or wait?

Accepted Answer

I'm confused: Your question makes no sense. The only kind of fluid buildup in the inner ear comes from meniere's disease. This causes repeated episodes of a spinning sensation that lasts hours.  Fluid buildup in the middle ear can cause a temporary hearing loss and sometimes unsteadiness.  Youn can't diagnose extra fluid in the inner ear just by looking.  I need more info or a better exam.

Question 7

can a hearing specialist (ent) literally see, (with mri's) the presence of inner ear fluid buildup that may result in the diagnosis meniere's disease?

Accepted Answer

Would be unique: In most cases, the lower strength mri's in the range of 1.5 t, would not have the clarity or resolution to sort out.  However, a higher field strength MRI in the range of 3.0 t or even higher, might distinguish such changes.

Question 8

have severe sore throat pain for 2wks . strep and mono have been ruled out. was told there is fluid buildup behind ears. what is causing the pain?

Accepted Answer

The: Little communication tube that exists between the throat and middle is is plugged up by the inflammation in the area. The increased pressure on just the one side of the drum is causing the pain. I think there is time to see also an ENT doctor!

Question 9

i have been struggling with ear fluid and a buildup of phlegm in upper part of throat.  this started with a cold.  i have had two ear infections since.  they discovered mrsa, which has now cleared.  ct scan is clear.  prilosec did not work. ?

Accepted Answer

Phlegm: It sounds like you still have sinus inflammation with mucous draining down into your throat. Try a nasal steroid like Flonase for maintenance therapy or an antihistamine like Claritin. If symptoms persist, oral antibiotics or low dose oral prednisone may help. An ENT consult may be needed.

Question 10

what does fluid in the ear mean in an adult?

Accepted Answer

Same as a child: It is fluid behind the ear drum as a result of congestion of the eustachian tube and backed up fluid. Can cause mechanical decrease in hearing. Will clear. Chiropractic and craniosacral therapy or osteopathic adjustments will help a lot.

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Doctor answers about:

Fluid buildup in ears in adults

A member asked:

Is it normal for young children to have recurring fluid buildup in the ear behind the eardrum?

A member asked:

Are there really definitive tests that show an inner ear fluid buildup that may result in dizziness as a main physical symtom?

A member asked:

My ears feel like they are stopped up, hurt, and pop. i've been to 3 docs (said they looked fine). history of middle ear and fluid buildup problems. ?

A member asked:

My 3 yo has tubes and wax buildup. ent suggested h20 and vinegar. he screamed a lot. so they told to stop. now ear is draining wax and fluid. normal?

A member asked:

Ear has wax and fluid buildup. doc said no infection but tragus is swollen and ear is hurting. ear infection?

A member asked:

Fluid buildup on the inner ear, no infection. have vertigo, doctor prescribed valium 2mg and is helping somewhat. anyway to rid fluid quickly or wait?

A member asked:

Can a hearing specialist (ent) literally see, (with mri's) the presence of inner ear fluid buildup that may result in the diagnosis meniere's disease?

A member asked:

Have severe sore throat pain for 2wks . strep and mono have been ruled out. was told there is fluid buildup behind ears. what is causing the pain?

A member asked:

I have been struggling with ear fluid and a buildup of phlegm in upper part of throat. this started with a cold. i have had two ear infections since. they discovered mrsa, which has now cleared. ct scan is clear. prilosec did not work. ?

A member asked:

What does fluid in the ear mean in an adult?

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