Dear Group,

About 6 weeks ago I found myself with a stiff aching neck and a high
temperature. After a few days I felt pressure in my head and earache.
The doctor has inspected my ears twice and twice prescribed beconase spray
and pseudoephedrine tablets. In desperation I have also used "ear calm"
acetic acid spray in the ears and latterly "sudafed" nasal spray which is
pretty fierce stuff. I cycle twice a day and I think my nose has been
running while doing this, but the trouble appears to be very local to the
ear and is untouched by these treatments. A recreational diver at work
suggested snorting brine but the doctor said no.

I am still having occaisional headaches but also have a sound-triggered
"ringing" in my left ear (I sleep on my right side).It is high frequency
distortion or sympathetic resonance that is most noticeable when I put my
hand over the affected left ear. I notice no trouble when listening to music
wearing headphones.

I therefore assume I still have fluid in the vicinity of my left ear.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated and an explanation of why it
would be the ear I do not sleep on that is affected. I am a particularly
anxious as I spent quite a lot of time in raves during the 90s - though
always wore earplugs (hollowfill fibre) and stayed well away from the
loudspeakers. I was however at an event while I had the sinusitus and was
near the left speaker - though on this occaision I also wore earplugs.

thanking you in anticipation ...