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Inner Ear Pressure

Dear Dr. Kagen,

I have been to my doctor several times - he has given allergy medication - it helps but i hate taking the medicine. The problem is that I can never equalize my ear pressure. Its like being in an airplane. My hearing is distorted. There is little pain - its just annoying. I also cannot handle multiple sources of noises and my hearing of background noises seems intensified.

Is this really an allergy problem. This is first year I have ever had anything like this. I am white male age 43. My doctor says that I have no infection. It just needs to dry up. What do you think.

Any advice would be appreciated

Steve M.

Dear Steve,

Thanks for asking about allergy in the middle ear.

Many allergy sufferers experience a sense of a "wet head" including the ears. They complain of having a crackling sensation in the ear and increased sensitivity to noises of different pitches as well.

Your symptoms if relieved by allergy medications may be due to an allergic disease. However, it is always a good idea to get an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor can best determine if you should consult with an Allergy Specialist and/or an Ear, Nose and Throat [ENT] physician. So far it sounds from your e-mail that you have tried some medications without really knowing what is wrong in your middle ear.

I hope this brief information is useful to you.

Good luck.

Steve Kagen, M.D.
Allernet.com