What causes a drum-like sound and slight pain in the left ear, and what should I do about it?
Mar 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
A drum-like sound and mild pain in the left ear may be caused by cerumen impaction, external ear trauma, sensorineural tinnitus, external otitis, or otitis media. It is recommended to seek treatment targeting the underlying cause. Please visit a hospital for a thorough examination to determine the exact cause and follow medical advice for proper treatment. During treatment, avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into the ear, maintain adequate sleep, and get plenty of rest to help alleviate symptoms.
A drum-like sound accompanied by mild pain in the left ear may be caused by cerumen impaction, ear canal trauma, sensorineural tinnitus, external otitis, or otitis media. It is recommended to seek targeted treatment based on the underlying cause. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Cerumen Impaction
Overactive ceruminous glands can lead to excessive cerumen (earwax) production and accumulation within the ear canal, preventing normal expulsion. This may result in symptoms such as itching in the external auditory canal, a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear, pain, and abnormal sounds. Following medical advice, sodium bicarbonate ear drops can be used to soften the cerumen, which can then be removed using a cerumen hook, thereby alleviating symptoms.
2. Ear Canal Trauma
Cleaning the ears with cotton swabs or other objects may scratch or injure the skin inside the ear canal, leading to pain and tinnitus. It is important to keep the wound clean to prevent infection. Applying local cold compresses may help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
3. Sensorineural Tinnitus
Irregular sleep patterns, poor diet, and similar factors may trigger sensorineural tinnitus, stimulating the auditory nerves and causing abnormal sounds in the ear, often accompanied by dizziness and hearing loss. Under medical guidance, medications such as mecobalamin tablets, oryzanol tablets, and vitamin B6 tablets may be prescribed to nourish the nerves and alleviate symptoms.
4. External Otitis
Bacterial or fungal infections may cause skin infection or inflammatory reactions in the external ear canal, resulting in ear pain and unusual noises in the ear, such as a drumming sensation. For bacterial infections, antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules, cefradine capsules, or cefixime capsules may be taken under medical supervision. For fungal infections, antifungal medications such as fluconazole capsules, itraconazole capsules, or terbinafine hydrochloride tablets may be used as directed by a physician to relieve symptoms.
5. Otitis Media
This condition may cause inflammation and congestion inside the middle ear, leading to pressure imbalances between the throat and airway. In this unbalanced state, otitis media may develop, causing inflammatory exudates in the ear canal, damage to the eardrum, and sensations of drumming or blockage in the ear. Under medical guidance, medications such as levofloxacin ear drops, lomefloxacin hydrochloride ear drops, or chloramphenicol hydrocortisone ear drops may be used to improve symptoms.
It is recommended to visit a hospital for evaluation, undergo thorough examination to determine the exact cause, and follow medical advice for standardized treatment. During treatment, avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into the ear, maintain adequate sleep, and get plenty of rest to promote symptom improvement.
