Differential Diagnosis for Bilateral Ear Clogged Sensation with Hearing Loss
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Serous Otitis Media (Middle Ear Effusion): This condition is likely given the sudden onset of symptoms, especially if the patient has a history of allergies, which can lead to Eustachian tube dysfunction. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat, and its dysfunction can cause fluid buildup in the middle ear, leading to a clogged sensation and hearing loss.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Allergic Rhinitis with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: The patient's history of seasonal allergies could be contributing to Eustachian tube dysfunction, leading to the symptoms described.
- Acute Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear): Although less likely given the bilateral nature and the lack of specific mention of exposure to water, this condition could still be a consideration, especially if the patient has been swimming or exposed to moisture.
- Earwax Impaction: This is a common cause of a clogged sensation in the ears and could be unilateral or bilateral, depending on the extent of the impaction.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Acoustic Neuroma: A rare tumor on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, which could cause hearing loss, but it typically presents with unilateral symptoms and would be less likely to have such a sudden onset.
- Stroke or Cerebrovascular Accident: Although extremely rare and unlikely, sudden hearing loss can be a symptom of a stroke, particularly if it's accompanied by other neurological deficits.
- Meningitis: Infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which could present with sudden onset of symptoms including hearing loss, but would typically be accompanied by fever, headache, and stiff neck.
- Rare diagnoses
- Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease: A rare condition where the body's immune system attacks the inner ear, leading to sudden hearing loss.
- Ototoxicity: Damage to the ear caused by certain drugs or chemicals, leading to hearing loss, which would be unlikely without a history of exposure to such substances.
- Temporal Bone Fracture: A fracture of the bone in the skull that contains the structures of the ear, which could cause hearing loss but would typically be associated with a history of trauma.