Question
What Are the Early Symptoms of Secretory Otitis Media?
Answer
The early symptoms of secretory otitis media include ear congestion, hearing loss, and tinnitus, often occurring after a cold or for no apparent reason. Patients may feel a blocked sensation in their ears, a decrease in hearing, and increased self-audition. Sometimes, when moving the head or during actions like yawning or blowing the nose, a whooshing sound can be heard inside the ear. Ear pain may be a dull ache or present as sharp intermittent pain. Tinnitus is usually a low-pitched intermittent sound, such as a crackling or buzzing noise. The skin around the patient may feel numb, and they may experience irritability on a psychological level.