Will try and keep this brief! Contracted bad left ear infection 7 yd felt dirty beach needed 2injections in butt and course of penicillin b4 flying home 4 days later! Since have had at a rate of 4 per year re-occuring ear infections to left ear involving antibiotics and time of work as caused URTI. 4 years ago when stressed over something developed ring/buzzing in ear which stayed. Went to GP about this and re-occuring ear infections gp matter of fact about it and put down to bad ear infection contracted at time of holiday might always prove to be weak defence to any infection. I therefore insisted on referral to ENT specialist in Londons Grays Inn Road. GP complied with this saw ENT specialist after 10 month at around about 2004. Had audiology tests to left ear and CT/MRI scan that came back as OK but ENT did advise that I had tinitus to left ear, nerve damage to ear and senseronial hearing loss which would be monitored. No explination as to why or how it happened I have not been expossed to noise nor trauma/injury. Within last year developed problem with left hand weakness /grip referred to Neurologist who arranged blood tests and put me forward for CNT. Conductive nerve test completed 14/3/2006. Clinicial advised that he felt had corrected itself, but also noted that I have developed weakness/ dull ache under left armpit. He asked if I was going to have any more test via neurology and I said not that I am aware of he remarked that my hands were very cold and felt appoitent to see my Neurologist in June 31/06/06 seemed far away?? Anyway I guess he has done his bit and will send onto my consultant? STATE OF PLAY NOW AS OF MARCH 2006 - off 2 weeks sick in January for left ear infection and URTI returned to work for 3 weeks then developed Labrythinitis to left ear and secondary URTI infection afflicting sinus problems, SICKNESS, BALENCE. Have been off 4 weeks gp can do no more as have had high level of antibiotics, and Betnesol drops for ears, nose. Have been messed back to ENT for appt 31/3/06. Current situation returning to work Monday 20/3//06 left ear still feels numb/blocked, back of head feels numb ie when washing head feels like someone elses!!?? blocked nose in morning, bleeds when blown from right nostril thick sinus discharge from left. Feel tired and weakness persists to left hand arm. Have bought new bed with those expensive foam contour ones as have though dust allergy might aggrivate have used 1 week provides better support but outlined symptoms still persist............ Would like advice or questions for me to take back to ENT to be more proactive in helping me as my sick record is dire, and am losing faith in NHS Any advice PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!