Woman Wakes Up Deaf in One Ear— then doctors discover living nightmare

A 21-year-old woman’s sudden ear pain, hearing loss, and dizziness turned out to have a horrifying cause—a dead tick lodged in her inner ear. The woman from Dharan, Nepal, had been suffering from “piercing” pain in her right ear for about a week, along with nausea, tinnitus, and balance issues, before seeking medical attention at the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences.

Doctors discovered her ear canal was inflamed and congested, with tests revealing “severe-to-profound” hearing loss, suggesting potential nerve damage. However, the real culprit was uncovered during a closer examination—a tick embedded deep in her ear, reported by the Daily Star.

The shocking case was detailed in the Journal of Medical Case Reports on January 7, where doctors described how they carefully removed the dead tick using a suction tool and forceps. Following the procedure, the woman was prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, and her symptoms disappeared completely within a month.

The case has raised awareness about the dangers of tick infestations in the ear, which can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Ticks release neurotoxic substances in their saliva, which can cause inflammation, permanent hearing loss, and even facial paralysis.

According to the medical team, the woman’s symptoms were likely due to an enzyme in the tick’s saliva that caused acute labyrinthitis, an inner ear infection that disrupts balance and causes nausea and tinnitus.

Although cases like this are rare, the risks associated with ticks can be serious. Ticks are known to transmit dangerous diseases, including Lyme disease and the potentially deadly Powassan virus.

The doctors emphasized the urgency of seeking medical attention for unusual ear symptoms. “Ticks release neurotoxins inhibiting acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in muscle control,” they noted, highlighting the risk of respiratory distress or paralysis in severe cases.

While this woman’s story ended with a full recovery, it serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking in unexpected places. For anyone who cringes at creepy crawlies, this chilling discovery might make you think twice about ignoring unusual symptoms.