Otitis Media with Effussion??

[zuchica]

Last week I started feeling sick with fever and cough, just general cold symptoms.  I started taking some Tylenol sinus which seemed to be doing an ok job.  On the second day my ear started feeling stuffy.  It wasn't until 2 days ago that I got an appointment.  The PA that saw me confirmed that I had fluid in both of my ears, and since I had just finished taking an antibiotic for a gum infection, decided it was due to a virus.  I am concerned about the loss of hearing in my right ear due to the buildup of fluid.  She gave me a decongestant (same meds I was taking to begin with) and told me to contact her if I had any pain.  I have no pain in my ear, but find it hard to hear a lot of things because of the fluid.  How long should this feeling last?  When should I consider seeing an ENT if the buildup persists?  

I am concerned because this interferes with my work and could interfere with school as well (I'm a music student).  Any advice would be wonderful.  Thank you.

[National Jewish]

You should see an ENT if there has been no improvement in your symptoms or if your symptoms have worsened.  Generally the hearing loss due to the fluid buildup should improve in 3 to 4 days.