Dear Doctor,

Five days ago, I underwent surgery (myringotomy with ventilation tubes in both ears and cyst removal in one ear) under general anesthesia. Before the surgery, my hearing was good, and I only occasionally had problems with ear pressure. I am currently taking Decortin as prescribed.

Since the surgery, I have been experiencing the following:

• Sounds are louder than usual but also muffled and unclear, I cannot perceive a clear sound
• Sounds are distorted
• A feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear
• My subjective perception of sound is different from what my spouse hears

My spouse is also very stressed because of my recovery, constantly checks and asks about my hearing, is irritable, and has a reduced appetite for several days.

I would like to ask:

1. Are these experiences of sound and ear pressure normal in the first 5–7 days after the surgery?
2. Will the sounds and pressure stabilize, or is there a risk they might remain as they are?
3. Is there anything specific I should do or avoid during this period (e.g., exposure to noise, driving, testing my hearing)?
4. What signs would indicate a complication, requiring me to contact you immediately?

Thank you in advance for your advice.