Why Does My Hearing Come and Go After an Infection? DR MARTIN SCURR Has a Surprising Solution (and It Has to Do with Your NOSE)

Since I had an infection in it last year, I have had sporadic hearing loss in my left ear. Sometimes I can fix it by swallowing hard, but can I restore permanent hearing?

St. John Meyers, East Riding

Dr. Martin Scurr responds: From your description, it sounds like conductive hearing loss, where sounds can’t get through the ear because of an obstruction in the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear (the part behind the eardrum) to the nasopharynx, the space at the back of the palate.

In your case, the blockage is probably caused by mucus left behind after an infection.

The Eustachian tube allows air to enter or exit the middle ear cavity, equalizing the pressure of the outside world. There is a valve where the tube enters the nasopharynx, and if you have a cold, allergies, or sinus infection, you may hear a clicking or popping sound when it activates when you swallow.

Respiratory infections can leave mucus residue that blocks the Eustachian tube; inflammation can also persist even after the infection has cleared. As a result, the Eustachian tube and valve may not function properly for a while. Swallowing vigorously can help, allowing air to enter the middle ear.

But I would suggest trying an Otovent nasal balloon — available for around £15 from chemists or online. It’s specially designed to open up the Eustachian tube in patients with symptoms like yours.

First use one or two puffs of a decongestant nasal spray (such as Otrivine, or an equivalent, also available over the counter from pharmacies) in each nostril.

Then insert the nosepiece attached to the balloon into one nostril, close the other nostril with a finger and inflate the balloon to the size of a large orange by blowing hard with your mouth closed.

Then do the same on the other side. Repeat the process — which takes a few minutes — three times a day. I would expect your congestion to clear up within a few days.

If not, you may need to be referred to an ENT specialist for a minor operation to insert a tympanostomy tube (a small tube that allows air to flow through the eardrum).

Please note that grommets do not need to be surgically removed, but will fall out on their own after about six months.

For years I have suffered from dry and flaky skin around the tops of my fingers. No cream helps and it seems to get worse as I get older. I am 81.

Pamela Hammond, Maidenhead.

Dr. Scurr responds: It is always difficult to diagnose a skin condition without a physical examination, but I have two concerns.

First, it could be chronic dermatitis, an allergic reaction to a chemical you’ve been exposed to on a regular basis. A likely culprit is methylchloroisothiazolinone, a preservative used in many skin care products, including shampoos and liquid soaps, to prevent mold and bacteria from growing in the product.

Allergic dermatitis can occur in people who are hypersensitive to a chemical or ingredient. Even brief contact with it can cause symptoms.

Wearing gloves during any activity where you come into contact with cleaning agents offers the best protection.

The second possibility is that you have an atypical form of the skin condition psoriasis. I have seen cases before where the flaking and peeling was limited to the fingertips and there is a variant of psoriasis called acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau — where pimples form on the fingertips. It is rare though and usually affects the toes as well.

Be aware that your symptoms may be due to sensitization to methylchloroisothiazolinone. It is also found in many emollients and other skin creams, so ask your pharmacist for a simple cream moisturizer and use skin cleansers such as Cetaphil — designed for sensitive skin.

• Write to Dr Scurr at Good Health, Daily Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or email drmartin@dailymail.co.uk — include your contact details. Answers should be taken in the general context; you should consult your own GP if you have any health concerns.