Ear, Nose, Throat

[npraikar]

I have a blockage of my left ear for over 3 months now. I have started getting mild headaches on the right side of my forehead. I had consulted an ENT and he says its due to nasal blockage as the audiogram was fine. My lifestyle includes conversations on the phone for over 6-8 hours a day. A friend of mine had a similar lifestyle and got diagnosed with a tumor near his brain. I need advice to know if further investigation is required for my problem, If yes, what should i do. The ENT cleaned my ears, did the audiogram and said it was fine. The blockage in my left ear doesnt seem to go but i can hear well. Also my CT scan of paranasal sinuses says there is a mild deviation of the nsala septum to the left side. I do snore a lot and i alos feels like one part of my nose is always blocked. Please advice

[LivingInHope]

The ENT was likely trying to rule out an acoustic neuroma, which can cause dramatic hearing loss in the affected ear.  While the CT scan radiologist was looking specifically at your sinuses, I suspect they also took pictures of the brain at the same scan, so you might ask the radiology department if they did.  If they say yes, ask if you can get a copy of the MRI on disc.  

Then, since you are concerned about tumor, get a referral and take the disc to a neurosurgeon or neurologist.  Tell them of your headaches and feelings of ear fulness even though your ear is clear and a hearing test came back okay.  Ask them if the CD you brought would be adequate to demonstrate the problem was not anything abnormal in relationship to the brain.

Another idea is to consider whether you may be having a TMJ problem.  Clenching, according to an article I was looking at, can cause a feeling of fulness in the ear.  And it also can cause a headache in your temple.  Talking on the phone as much as you do would put a lot of stress on your jaw joints.  See private message.

And regarding your snoring a lot, you might also want to tested for sleep apnea, which can be common in those who snore.  That's when you stop breathing at least so many number of times or more while asleep, something that can lead to headaches and tiredness.

Regarding talking on the phone- do you use a speaker phone so you can hold the phone well away from your ear?  

Do you see an allergist for your sinus problems?

[npraikar]

Thank you for your detailed revert. I have seen the ENT for sleep apnea and there is slight deviation in the bone in my nose which causes the same. I havent seen anyone for allergies. Will check if i have brain scan images. Tank you

[LivingInHope]

Did they suggest  a C-PAP machine or other device for your sleep apnea?    

If the radiology department tells you they did not focus on your brain with detail at all when they did the CT scan of your sinuses, you may want to get a referral to a neurologist to see if they think an MRI is appropriate when you tell them your symptoms and concern due to long hours on the phone.

[npraikar]

Yes I will consult a neurologist and see if an MRI is required. thank you for your advice

[LivingInHope]

You're welcome!