Differential Diagnosis for Sudden Auditory Sensitivity After Ear Wax Removal
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS): This is the most likely diagnosis due to the sudden change in auditory sensitivity after ear wax removal. The removal process, especially if done improperly or with excessive force, can cause temporary damage to the hair cells in the ear, leading to increased sensitivity to sound.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Middle Ear Myoclonus: This condition involves involuntary muscle contractions in the middle ear, which can be triggered by the ear wax removal process. It can cause auditory sensitivity and other symptoms like tinnitus.
- Patulous Eustachian Tube: After ear wax removal, some individuals may experience a patulous Eustachian tube, where the tube remains open, leading to autophony (hearing internal sounds unusually loudly) and increased sensitivity to sound.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Perforated Eardrum: Although less common, it's crucial not to miss a perforated eardrum as a complication of ear wax removal. A perforation can lead to severe hearing loss, vertigo, and increased risk of infection.
- Otosclerosis: While not directly caused by ear wax removal, otosclerosis (a condition where abnormal bone growth in the middle ear causes hearing loss) could be unmasked or worsened by the procedure, leading to increased auditory sensitivity.
- Rare diagnoses
- Hyperacusis: A rare condition characterized by an increased sensitivity to certain frequency and volume ranges of sound. It could be triggered by the ear wax removal process in susceptible individuals.
- Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence: A rare condition where there is an abnormal opening in the bone overlying the superior semicircular canal of the inner ear. It can cause a variety of auditory and vestibular symptoms, including increased sensitivity to sound, which might be noticed after ear wax removal.