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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:
Original poster
dahliaaa · 28/04/2022 00:06

@Tigertigertigertiger I think I'd be a bit nervous to do that to be honest. I guess it's the thought of pushing more fluid into the middle ear (even though I know that's not really how it works Blush)

OP posts:
Original poster
dahliaaa · 28/04/2022 00:06

@Tigertigertigertiger I think I'd be a bit nervous to do that to be honest. I guess it's the thought of pushing more fluid into the middle ear (even though I know that's not really how it works Blush)

OP posts:
Tagliatellme · 28/04/2022 00:12

I think warm water is good for helping remove softened wax, but sadly won't do anything for middle ear problems/eustachian tube dysfunction. Plus if there's any risk of a perforated eardrum, it's a definite no no.

eurochick · 28/04/2022 07:23

@dahliaaa my dr suggested using a decongestant for a few days so I did that, but I think it was mostly time.

Original poster
dahliaaa · 28/04/2022 08:42

Thanks @eurochick I can't use decongestants because of blood pressure meds but I wonder if they will actually say to use them for a few days eventually while keeping eye on blood pressure.

OP posts:
Original poster
dahliaaa · 28/04/2022 17:16

GP has actually now sent a message to say ok to try a decongestant for 3 days. Suggested Otrivine so will give that a go along with the other stuff.

OP posts:
GibbonsGoatsGibbons · 03/05/2022 21:12

how are you getting on @dahliaaa? stupid site update made this difficult to find!
I hope the decongestant has helped?

After a week(?2?) of feeling pretty much 100% my right ear is worse than it ever was Confused not sure if it's hay fever messing with me or because I've done something to my neck! Hoping it goes away again

Original poster
dahliaaa · 03/05/2022 23:36

Thanks for checking in @GibbonsGoatsGibbons. Sorry you've got an issue again. It's so frustrating.
My hearing started to improve a bit yesterday so I'm really hoping things continue to get better. I've been feeling quite under the weather for last week or so - not sure if all linked to a virus or if it's still linked to post Covid (had it in Jan.)
As well as the otovent I've been steaming with olbas oil twice a day. Not sure which of the two is helping most.

OP posts:
Original poster
dahliaaa · 03/05/2022 23:38

Sorry - meant to say that I've been doing the Eustacian dysfunction exercises on YouTube too. There's a few different ones if you search.

OP posts:
GibbonsGoatsGibbons · 04/05/2022 00:39

dahliaaa · 03/05/2022 23:38

Sorry - meant to say that I've been doing the Eustacian dysfunction exercises on YouTube too. There's a few different ones if you search.

Yes I've found these helpful & my kids beg me to do them in front of them 😂

I'm so glad to hear 😜 you're improving but sorry you've been unwell again. What a slog it's proving to be!

fingers crossed we both get there soon

EthicalNonMahogany · 04/05/2022 07:10

The Eustachi is AMAZING much better than the Otovent and less disgusting as you don't have to rinse snotty balloons.

I've tried everything mentioned on this thread and the Eustachi has saved my life. It takes a few days so be patient.

TeaAndStrumpets · 04/05/2022 08:20

Yes the Eustachi is worth every penny! Before I got mine I would wake with blocked ears every morning, which popped with a twang once I got up. One day they just stayed blocked so I bought a Eustachi in a panic and it really helped. I still use it every morning with a swig of tea, so easy.

I already have some hearing loss and tinnitus, so being blocked on top was making things harder. I can now mostly hear rumbly-voiced DH in the morning, so don't have to constantly ask him to repeat himself. Apparently i've not being missing much lol.

Original poster
dahliaaa · 04/05/2022 08:55

That's good to know about the Eustachi

OP posts:
Original poster
dahliaaa · 14/05/2022 13:38

@GibbonsGoatsGibbons how are you getting on?
My hearing is improved in that ear but still hasn't 'popped' fully so lots of crunching sounds etc
I'm going to look at the ear popper etc that people have suggested

OP posts:
GibbonsGoatsGibbons · 14/05/2022 13:48

Hello
I thought of you earlier this week as we drove down a very steep hill when my ears popped 😂 it felt fabulous but didn't last beyond the day. I am considering returning to the hill!
My hearing is pretty much fine; I still have the crunching you describe anytime I swallow but I've had that for years & I'm definitely getting more occasions of tinnitus than previously (some ear pulling usually resolves it)

The thing that seems to make the biggest difference is to do my sinus rinse regularly (didn't do it yesterday & I can feel the difference)

Let me know how you get on with the popper - hope it's the final part of the jigsaw for you!

Original poster
dahliaaa · 14/05/2022 13:54

Glad you are doing ok. That's funny you mention the steep hill - I had the same thing last week !
Now that I can hear better I might just need to accept the rest of it - but think I will give one of the poppers a try just in case. Will let you know if I get any help from it.

OP posts:
Original poster
dahliaaa · 14/05/2022 13:57

Ps thanks for the reminder about the sinus rinse too. I've only done the sprays and steaming so will look at that too

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Original poster
dahliaaa · 14/05/2022 14:06

@EthicalNonMahogany @TeaAndStrumpets can I just ask where you got your eustachis from ? They don't seem widely available. Thanks

OP posts:
TeaAndStrumpets · 14/05/2022 14:24

Hi I got mine from Amazon (in February this year) but I just checked and it is out of stock now. How annoying! I hope they come back in soon.

Original poster
dahliaaa · 14/05/2022 15:59

Thanks @TeaAndStrumpets - I'll keep an eye out for them

OP posts:
GibbonsGoatsGibbons · 14/05/2022 18:25

dahliaaa · 14/05/2022 13:57

Ps thanks for the reminder about the sinus rinse too. I've only done the sprays and steaming so will look at that too

I always have a spare because I really don't function without it, this one is really easy to use sinus rinse

my tip is to use in the shower so you do t have to do the awkward bending over the sink (I always soak myself!)

Original poster
dahliaaa · 14/05/2022 19:55

Thanks @GibbonsGoatsGibbons

OP posts:
Summer70 · 06/06/2022 14:04

I can’t tell you how helpful it’s been reading this. I’ve got covid & don’t feel great, but the worst part is that for 2 days my ears have become completely blocked. I feel like I’m underwater & muffled. Certain things that can barely hear, like the kettle & washing machine. Can only hear my family if they stand in front of me. I just can’t get my ears to pop at all - I’m sure it’s eustacian tube related but it’s so disorientating, almost making me feel a bit panicky. From what I’m reading it sounds like there’s not much to do except wait for it to pass. Hope the posters on here are improving x

Original poster
dahliaaa · 06/06/2022 21:43

@Summer70 sorry you are struggling with this. The things I found most helpful were the exercises on YouTube and steaming (couple of drops of olbas oil in hot water then put towel over your head and breath in.)
Although as you say - it was time really. I've been left with general eustacian disfunction but nothing like it was originally.

OP posts:
Summer70 · 06/06/2022 21:55

@dahliaaa thanks for updating, it’s always so helpful to hear that someone is going in the right direction. Unfortunately as it’s so all consuming it’s hard to ignore! When I test negative & can get out & about hopefully I’ll be a bit distracted whilst it hopefully subsides. I’ll have a look on YouTube. Thank you x

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