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Original poster

Ears v muffled - won't pop - driving me mad

135 replies

dahliaaa · 15/04/2022 20:19

I've had a series of colds straight of the back of covid.
About 10 days ago both ears became blocked and haven't cleared since. Hearing muffled and head feels full / odd.

(Only time I've had anything like it with both ears was many years ago when pregnant - I'm menopausal now - did wonder if could be related to hormone changes(?))

Anyway this is what I've tried. None have worked and it's driving me to distraction.

Olive oil ear drops in case wax (probably not as both ears at same time (?))

Steroid nasal spray (Beconase) then when that did nothing after a few days pharmacist suggested Otrivine Extra Dual Relief nose spray. That just seems to have dried everything up but ears still same.

Pinching nostrils / closing mouth and blowing. This would normally always pop my ears but nothing happening.

Driving me to distraction Confusedany suggestions welcome !

OP posts:
ToDoListAddict · 15/04/2022 20:57

Have you tried steam inhalation?

Original poster
dahliaaa · 15/04/2022 21:00

I did that as one off a few days ago. Thank you for reminder - will restart doing it.

OP posts:
StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 16/04/2022 08:20

Sudafed?

Original poster
dahliaaa · 16/04/2022 08:25

I think the otrivine is meant to be the same as Sudafed but a bit stronger (?? I think that's what the chemist suggested) but not sure....
I should maybe get some of that too.

Did steam inhalation last night with some vicks in it but both ears still blocked.

OP posts:
lostoldname · 16/04/2022 08:30

Hopi ear candles.

Nitgel · 16/04/2022 08:31

I had thus the òther week. Dr said it could be due to hay-fever and gave me a nasal spray. I took additional anti histamines and ear drops ànd I went eventually. Was awful.

Nitgel · 16/04/2022 08:32

It wasn't due to wax

Wentyworthy · 16/04/2022 08:33

Try going for a swim, the water pressure might get them popped. Works for me!

MoiraNotRuby · 16/04/2022 08:34

www.expresschemist.co.uk/portia-rubber-ear-syringe.html

In lockdown I had an ear issue and got one of these, its very good for blocked ears. Hope you are better soon.

Original poster
dahliaaa · 16/04/2022 08:41

@nitgel can you remember which spray etc it was.
It's weird how completely disorientating the whole thing is

OP posts:
IShouldProbablyHooverMore · 16/04/2022 08:42

I know you've used olive oil, but I'd book an ear clean. I think Specsavers do them - not sure if they charge just to take a look. Do you use in-ear headphones, anything else in the ear? They can compact the wax.

Original poster
dahliaaa · 16/04/2022 08:45

Thanks everyone ... the only thing I wondered about wax is whether it would suddenly go in both ears if it was wax (?)
I will try and get an appointment somewhere just in case. I did try Specsavers but the ones near me don't have any appointments for a few days. I'll keep up with the olive oil in the meantime anyway as I don't think that will do any harm (?)

OP posts:
Okbutnotgreat · 16/04/2022 08:46

Had to have my ears syringed as they were blocked for a long time and nothing I tried worked. Olive oil for
A couple of weeks to soften and 20 mins at the GP (they have a dedicated clinic) and problem solved.

QuebecBagnet · 16/04/2022 08:53

I find this happens after a cold and for me it’s always wax. It’s like they were a bit waxy (but not noticeable) before and the cold finishes them off. I go for a syringing and they get big plugs out both ears

TeaAndStrumpets · 16/04/2022 09:00

I bought a Eustachi from Amazon, it's a little device that puffs air into one nostril while the other nostril is pressed closed. Meanwhile one swallows a sip of water. I have had great results with this - it gently persuades the eustachian tubes to open, then the ear(s) pop. I'd been getting blocked ears in the morning for months, this has really helped.

cherrypiepie · 16/04/2022 09:05

I had this exactly the same after covid before all the vaccines etc and the gp said it Eustachian tube dysfunction and is self limiting so will just clear up

This is the link they sent me which I found helpful.

patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/earache-ear-pain/eustachian-tube-dysfunction

Very annoying lasted about three weeks then went. Try beconase nasal spray (steroid) a Sudafed if you can take them and and antihistamine as pollen is high

eurochick · 16/04/2022 09:09

I had this a few weeks ago. The GP asked if I had had covid as apparently they are seeing lots of ear issues afterwards (not as far as I know). There was no wax but my ear drum was bulging so it was a sort of glue ear. It did eventually drain but I then got a horrible virus that knocked me for six (I was negative for covid). All very odd but I'm ok now.

Original poster
dahliaaa · 16/04/2022 10:04

Thank you for that leaflet - really useful. You're all giving me hope that it might eventually clear !
I know it sounds ridiculous but it's just very disconcerting

OP posts:
Nitgel · 16/04/2022 10:05

He gave me Nasonex

cushioncovers · 16/04/2022 10:09

Book to get them syringed.

FrownedUpon · 16/04/2022 10:14

I’ve had this for almost 2 years now. It’s Eustachian tube dysfunction for me. Steaming helps me a bit, but I have constant muffled hearing.

GibbonsGoatsGibbons · 16/04/2022 10:45

I have this post covid too it's horrible!
steaming helps me a bit as does doing these kinds of exercises
m.youtube.com/watch?v=1-SZ1r1dnho
(Do not leave your glasses on so you can see the video & then cause them to fly across the room when you start pulling your ears BlushGrin)

Original poster
dahliaaa · 16/04/2022 13:19

Oh goodness @frownedupon !
Two years !!!! Thanks have you had any improvements at all ?

Thank you for link to the video will try those and will also steam again later too.

I spoke to my local pharmacist earlier and they said best not to use Sudafed because I'm on Ramapril for blood pressure but she said gp might overrule that in a few days if it still hasn't cleared (?)

OP posts:
Original poster
dahliaaa · 16/04/2022 13:24

Thanks@nitgel That looks similar to the Beconase I've got

OP posts:
Threeboysandadog · 17/04/2022 16:44

This is exactly what I have. It’s been about 4 weeks. I went to the GP last week and she said my ears were completely clear, no wax, but possibly of fluid behind the eardrum on left side (my worst one). I’ve been referred to the hospital for a hearing test.