U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
Lake Oswego, OR
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

2 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Pierrette Mimi Poinsett
Dr. Pierrette Mimi Poinsettanswered
Pediatrics 40 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Learn how we can help
741 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Thank
Dr. James Ferguson
Dr. James Ferguson agrees1 doctor agrees
Dr. James Ferguson
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
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
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Learn how we can help
740 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Thank
Dr. Frank Amico Jr
Dr. Lois A Freisleben-Cook
Dr. Sandra Lora Cremers
Dr. Frank Amico Jr and 5 doctors agree6 doctors agree

Related questions

A 20-year-old member asked:
I'm a 20 year old sound engineer, is there value in getting my ears clean? I have excellent hearing but feel like my ears could be plugged.
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 35-year-old male asked:
I have a cold and my ears keep plugging up and won't pop for a while. Thanks to neti pot, nose spray and pseudoephedrine, sinuses otherwise seem ok, just ears plug up. Is doing Vasalva maneuvre OK while having a cold, or could it cause ear infection?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A member asked:
Hearing loss I am a 40 year old female. I traveled to australia over two months ago with a pretty bad cold. My right ear was in a state and grew worse with the pressure changes, so much in fact, it was causing me great pain and i was hearing loud pops.
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
A 45-year-old female asked:
My 8 year old says her ears are plugged but she doesn't have a cold and they do not hurt. She swims a lot, could she have water in her ear?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
A 23-year-old female asked:
When I hear loud sounds my ears throb. I've tried ear plugs and I feel deaf, can I be losing my hearing? Please help me figure out so I don't hurt
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Last updated Apr 12, 2017

Found in:

Pseudoephedrine

People also asked

Ear still feels full, hearing a bit muffled after flight 8 days ago, was battling a cold prior to flight. Tried amoxicillin and sudafed. Is this bad?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
My ears have been plugged up and ringing for a month. It gets worse at night and in the morning. There is some fluid when I wake up in the morning. I tried a nasal spary and sudafed but they didn't work. Will this ever go away?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
A week ago I went to urgent care and was diagnosed with middle ear infection. I was given amoxicillin and sudafed. I still have muffled hearing and ringing in my ears. I don't have insurance. How long can wait before seeing a doctor again?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
I have been to ENT for a retracted ear drum. Been happening on and off since April 2014. Had a hearing test that was normal. Tried loratadine, sudafed, Flonase, and Allegra. Now loud noises hurt as well as breathing in deep. When he scoped my nasal passag
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Ive been dizzy the last year,recently have episodes where my hearing feels a bit plugged&super sensitive hearing/fluttering in ears. ENT says ears ok?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Related topics

Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
Talk to a doctor now
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.

Get the Free App for Members

Get the Free App for Doctors

HIPAASecure
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
TermsPrivacyCookiesDMCA
Copyright 2023 HealthTap, Inc.