How can I unblock my ears?!

[GalaxyDefender]

I've just recovered from a horrendous virus - flu-like symptoms mostly, but also including badly blocked sinuses resulting in the most painful earaches I've ever experienced.

Now I'm fine (a tiny bit sniffly, but that's fading too) apart from the fact that I am half-deaf! I can feel that my ears are blocked, but it's on the inside iyswim? I've tried the olive oil method, which has always worked in the past, and it cleared the outside but I'm still deaf!

Any tips? Or am I going to have to traipse up to the doctors and get something to clear it out?

[Moominsarehippos]

If you've had a bug then it's probably inflammation. Don't try to stick any drops in there are they will hurt like hell! You may need something from the doctor.

[mangledmess]

I was going to suggest warm olive oil but see you have tried that. How about placing a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to see if it soothes it. Other than that you may need to see a GP if your body is not fighting off your infection.

[Moominsarehippos]

I get blocked ears once in a while ask have dermatitis in the and it gets all clogged up. The only times it has been painful rather than just me going deaf is when I have had an infection and this really does hurt! Poking around or trying to treat it as a blockage will only hurt more! It sounds like an inflammation to me and you have my sympathies.

[GalaxyDefender]

Thanks guys - it's definitely infection-related, I've started getting neck muscle aches again so I've clearly not 100% shifted this bug. Urrrgh.

Will try the hot water bottle - am willing to try anything at this point, this is driving me barmy, I can't even hear the doorbell going, or the phone!

[stomp]

Steaming may help. Use Vicks or Olbus oil. I know it sounds daft but sometimes it works.

[OComeAllYeFaithBaby]

I agree with stomp. It's internal so you need to inhale steam to clear the blockage - you won't reach it from the outside! Go up through your nasal passage. Olbas oil is good but tonight just steam - stick hot water in a bowl, towel over your head for a good 10 minutes (time it, it'll feel like forever). Try this three times a day.

[ninjasquirrel]

Try bending over so your head's upside down and staying like that for a minute or two. I used to get blocked ears a lot when pregnant and that would clear them.

[catinsantasboots]

Hydrogen peroxide mixed with water and dribble in using a pipette

[Moominsarehippos]

Oooo that will hurt like buggery! I tried that last time I thought it was a normal blocked ear when it was an inflammation. Very sore.

[bekind]

I had this a few months ago. Ultimately, i was told, it can take a few months to clear esp when it's in the eustacian (?) tube. Things to reduce inflammation do help but time and good health will actually resolve it. I even took a hearing test after a few months and the pressure still hadn't normalised. I am now wondering if a change in my diet would help clear last traces of blockage. Any knowledge on that would help?!

[Moominsarehippos]

I can't remember what pills I was prescribed but it took the pain away and my hearing came back gradually. Maybe try a naturopath for diet? Ive used one for cholestoral and stress and it's been very successful.