Author: Hannah Harris, Paramjeet Deol / Editor: Stephen Sheridan / Codes: EP4, EP7, SLO2 / Published: 09/02/2026
A 25-year-old Chinese male, who works in asset management, presents to the urgent care centre with a 5-day history of muffled hearing and tinnitus in the right ear. It started following an early morning gym session when he was wearing noise-cancelling headphones. The tinnitus becomes unbearable when in a noisy environment. There was a brief episode of vertigo when he stood up around the time of symptom onset.
He saw a private ENT consultant a few months ago regarding a dry right ear canal, but otherwise there is no other medical history, and no significant family history. He does not smoke or take recreational drugs, and drinks alcohol occasionally.
He has been referred into A&E by a private audiologist, but was not given the audiometry report to bring with him.
On examination, both ear canals are clear of wax and tympanic membranes appear normal. Neurological examination elicits no significant abnormality.
3 responses
Nice case.
good revision
very easily dismissed, this is a great reminder!