Is it possible to have inner ear pain from thyroid nodules?

[julie383]

I just found out 2 weeks ago that I have a nodule that is 2cm along with several others on my thyroid. I have always had a large thyroid but in the past nothing was ever found. For the past few years I have had pain in my left ear and was wondering if this could be contributing to it. Some days the pain will almost be non-existent and then other days it is awful. The doctor looked in my ear and said I have trapped fluid inside but how can this be a constant problem? Doesn't the fluid eventually dry up? Is this even a possible problem from the thryoid nodules I have? Thank you.

[julie383]

Just got back from dr..found follicular cells and said I need to have thyroid removed....totally. He said he is not sure if it is cancer but a possibility. He explained to me very clearly about what follicular cancer will do as far as it goes for bloodstream, etc. He did mention that he could do partial but does not recommend because with the nodules that I have one of them is right on the line of left and right lobes and also if it turns to be cancerous then a week later I will have to have a turn around surgery.
My voice continues to be hoarse and of course the neverending saga with the ear pain is the same story, different day.

[4helen]

Hiya ---snap---as a member of both the Sizeable Nodule Club (rt side) and the Ear Complaint Circle (I get a squashy liquid sound, on and off in my left ear) am confused too as to whether they are related.  Endo says - No -----says TMJ maybe as I have a marked left jaw occlusion (bad orthodontist of 30 yrs ago?).  Nodule was discovered because I was trying to end ear nonsense. Feel sure they are related myself.

Am stubborn in my resolve to not lose my thryoid, half or otherwise, and the pressure on us neofollicular types is horrendous---Russian Roulette-- but the odds of 20perct malignancy are still in our favour!

As a less than popular 'Hokus Pokus' fanatic on this site, am road testing chinese herbs and acupuncture to both shrink nodule and sort ear problem. Haven't a lot of time in this other sandbox (endo allowing me a few months only) but am feeling good about my treatment decision to date.  I feel the best have felt in months. Look at my tag - 4helen - to see what else am trying and TCM link; am sure there are still some other tricks out there, it is just finding them QUICKLY!

Would the doc say which drugs were used to shrink nodules many years ago?

898 helpfully mentions both a core biopsy, which seems an excellent idea to remove another  bullet from the gun, and PEI and laser abalation, also intriguing new sweeties for certain cases.

Keep the faith!! Definitely get 2nd opinion (path and or endo) if in any doubt; I did for both and it bought me very valuable extra few months.  : )  

[Rachel4]

If you have unresolved fluid in the middle ear you really need to see an ENT to get it taken care of. This fluid can solidify, which will cause even more pain. The fluid can actually permanently damage the ossicles in the middle ear which will result in a conductive hearing loss. I wouldn't let the ear drum rupture on it's own, but perforating the ear drum is a cure for stubborn middle ear effusion.

Knowing the anatomy I can't see how a thyroid nodule would cause pressure and effusion in the middle ear. Chemically, I don't know.

Good luck!

[julie383]

skeeterknitwit- I don't blame you for thinking that is unacceptable, that just sounds crazy what they said to you! The dr has told me he is not sure if the pain in my ear is related to my thyroid nodules and has informed me he cannot promise it will go away.
All depending on what happens with the diagnosis will determine what I do about my ear problem! Most likely I will end up seeing and ENT.

BTW I have tried acupuncture in the past it was very interesting, I would probably try again the future.

[julie383]

JolieFille- I don't believe I have Hashimotos, although I don't even know what my TSH levels are, they have told me only normal. I get the ear pain very similar to what you have experience...although sometimes it can last for longer periods.

[julie383]

I certainly can see both of your points. I guess in reality it's hard to tell whether anything is 100% benign even with the FNA. At this point it is me trying to hold onto a very important part of my body that I don't want to seem to part with unless it's absolutely neccessary. I have always been a diehard and stubborn. I do know one thing for sure, if it is cancer then yes I will definitely have it removed without question. If it isnt, the dr. has informed me that he will consider removing only the half that is affected. I will get any reports that I can when I go back in this Thursday to find out the prognosis. Thanks for writing.