A member asked:

My 16 year old son has had a plugged ear (muted hearing, crackling) for the past 2 weeks following a cold. he has been taking sudafed which hasn't helped much. is there anything else he can try and at what point should he be seen. he says he isn't experie

8 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Get him checked: As he is having hearing changes, reasonable for him to be checked now. He might have an ear infection or fluid behind the eardrum causing the hearing changes. Ear infections can occur without pain. No other special meds to take for the plugged ear.

Answered 4/5/2017

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Common issue: During a cold many of the membranes in the upper airway & middle ear are swollen.This can affect the ability of the Eustachian tube.This tube drains mucus & also allows air into that space to maintain correct pressure across the eardrum.The cracking he hears is the tube opening/closing.This should self correct in time. Pain,fever or the nuisance factor can be your guide to when a visit is needed

Answered 4/12/2017

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