These questions are relating to an episode of hearing loss which presented without any additional symptoms. Notably, a distinct lack of pain sensations, appearing after a period of strong nose blowing. Observations of the tympanic membrane showed high compliance in the ear with hearing loss during a Valsalva manoeuvre, with reduced compliance in the opposing ear. Hearing loss reduced over the course of three days while intentionally reducing pressure during nose blowing, however an additional symptom appeared during this period of a ‘fluttering’ nose occurring on vertical acceleration (jumping, heavy walking, climbing the stairs). This eventually settled as well. The general conclusion was that hard nose blowing disproportionately affected the right middle ear due to anatomical asymmetry pushing more air into the middle ear space. This may be regarded as Eustachian tube dysfunction, or a simple anatomical asymmetry.
Since there were no additional symptoms, one of the first possible conclusions was a sudden sensorineural hearing loss, which is typically treated with a steroid injection. Given that hearing loss may be possible with painless inner ear irritation / inflammation caused by sudden asymmetrical pressure change, requiring at least multiple days to resolve, perhaps some individuals may be misdiagnosed as having one issue rather than the other.
Given the observed extra movement of the right ear tympanic membrane during Valsalva manoeuvres, can this be used as a screened risk factor for pressure-induced middle ear trauma?
Curtis Holt - Studio / Lab 