Q I am 60 years old. Sometimes I experience a partial loss of hearing. After a few days, I hear a popping sound in my ear and my hearing suddenly returns to normal.
What am I suffering from? Can it be treated and cured?

If not, will I eventually lose my hearing permanently?

A There are several causes of hearing loss at this age. From the description, and the fact that the hearing tends to return to normal, the most likely cause is due to problem in equalising the pressure in the eustachian tube.

This is a tube which connects the middle ear and the back of the nose. One of its functions is to allow the equalisation of air pressure between the middle ear and the external environment. When this function is impaired, the feeling can be similar to the ear block that one feels during descent in an aeroplane. The popping sound is likely due to a sudden release of the block.

Common causes include a physical block at the back of the nose by a lump, or postnasal drip secondary to allergy or sinusitis. These conditions can be diagnosed only after a complete examination of the ear and nose. In most cases, they can be treated effectively. The problem is unlikely to lead to permanent hearing loss.

DR STEPHEN LEE, CONSULTANT ENT SURGEON. RAFFLES HOSPITAL

For an appointment at Raffles Hospital, call 6311-1222

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