Can’t hear properly - blocked Eustachian tubes

[Mainfeature]

I wonder if anyone has any miraculous cures for blocked ears - not ear wax - blocked Eustachian tubes.

I have had a chronic respiratory illness since Easter. Since taking a flight last week my ears have been completely blocked. I can’t hear normal conversation and have to work from home as it’s embarrassing at work - I can take part in tel calls etc but have to use a high volume which I am worried will cause more damage.

The GP advised steroid nasal spray and anti histamine which I have tried for 3 days now with no effect.

I have booked an acupuncture session in a couple of days in the hope it will provide a cure.

I am worried I will stay like this forever. Does anyone have any experience of cures for this? Should I be referred to ENT now. I am experiencing a significant heating loss.

Thanks

Sinus irrigation before the nasal spray really helps me. Sudafed can help but it’s a bit luck of the draw I think.

Take a deep breath hold your nose closed and breathe out gently through the closed nose. Doesn't work for me but some people find it very helpful.
Also have a quick Google for acupressure points to relieve blocked ears.

It took just over a week for the nasal spray and antihistamine to start to have any impact for me.

Yes can take weeks. Often takes 3 weeks for mine to clear with Nasonex. Might be worth taking a Sudafed decongestant (if you can mix it with whatever you're taking)

The exact same thing happened to me in Thailand a few years ago and the doctor proscribed pseudoephedrine tablets which worked after a day of taking them. I wonder if your GP would give you those if you ask?

I had this once years back, and the only thing that worked was a device called Otovent which involved inflating a balloon with your nose. You can buy it in Boots, and probably some non-branded alternative is also available. I remember it being about a tenner and working really well in a couple of days when I'd tried EVERYTHING else.

Neti pot (use boiled cooled water) Valsalva maneuver as a previous poster advised. Be persistent with the steroid nasal spray & revert to GP for different ones to try. There are various online diy acupressure & facial excercises that can help. My homeopathic freind advised diluted basil oil round the jawline to the ears but don't know about that. Health unlocked has ETD forums for further info.

Thanks everyone I will look into other meds. Sudafed is the first one I tried.

I have been using Otovent today including a technique where you hold water in your mouth and then swallow to open the soft palate while forcing air in with the balloon. No improvement. Perhaps too soon.

I have high hopes of my acupuncture tomorrow!

I would push for a referral to ENT so they can make sure nothing else is going on and so you can get a hearing test.

Meantime, I’ve had years of war problems including ‘glue ear’ which is what it sounds like you’ve got. I had to use a combo of nasal steroids, Piriton, steam inhalation and Otovent and it did take a week before I started to see a decent improvement. Acupuncture was a bit helpful, but on it’s own isn’t good enough.

Do you smoke? This can really impact ear issues.

Beware! There are different types of Sudafed tablets.

Some Sudafed tablets contain Pseudoephedrine which as a pp states is a known treatment for unblocking Eustachian tubes.

However there are other Sudafed tablets on the market that contain Phenylephrine; this does not work on the tubes...

I find that the ones with Pseudoephedrine have much more potent side effects but at least they work. Obvs heed the precautions etc etc on the leaflet.

@Mainfeature any success ?

I had this a couple of months ago and the GP suggested the Sudafed mentioned above. It's not an overnight cure though - it just helps the tubes drain, which takes a while.

Thanks all and sorry for not updating the thread.

No joy. The acupuncture didn’t work. The Otovent has had little effect despite using it every 2 hours during the day and I have added Sudafed to the mix. I have had a couple of occasions where the hearing in my left ear improved slightly but then returned to blocked.

I was in tears this morning because I could not hear my colleague sitting next to me and also a friend I hadn’t seen in 3 years had come to the office and I wasn’t able to communicate with her either. I had to have the volume on my iphone pushed up to max to call my GP.

I had to threaten to complain to get an appointment with the GP this afternoon - the receptionist decided I wasn’t worthy - but could have an appointment with the nurse next week. I got there in the end after speaking to the manager. I hope they can help me. No one has so far examined my ears. My consultation last week was a phone call.

Thanks all again, will keep you updated.

You've tried irrigation? I used to have this problem a few times a year, it lasts 4 to 5 weeks. I had sudafed on repeat prescription. I irrigate every day now and only get very mild symptoms.

This is easy to use:
NeilMed Sinugator Cordless Pulsating Nasal Wash amzn.eu/8uJKGXp

Follow it with beconase.

You'd have to take the sudafed (Pseudoephedrine kind) regularly to avoid rebound congestion. It's not ideal.

Thank you. Waiting to see GP now.

Well the GP took it seriously and rang the ENT registrar at the hospital while I was there. They are arranging an ‘urgent’ appointment with audiology in the first instance, so hope it is soon.

Thank you all again for your suggestions and for sharing your experiences.

Only just seen your thread but my DH has had exactly the same issue. Post covid blocked ears, compounded by a long haul flight (which always affects his ears adversely under normal circumstances). Was given the same treatment as you initially to no avail. When the Dr finally examined him he had inflammation and pus in both ears. He’s on the mend now, hoping you get the right treatment OP

Hopefully it will get sorted out now op. Please let us know how things went for you. All the best, get well soon 💐

@CherryRipe1

Thank you. I am going to the hospital tomorrow. Will update after that.

Signing in as I have the same issue. Trying Sudafed on the back of this thread. I hate this - I can't hear DD properly, and today I was sitting in a park with a few friends and couldn't hear people a metre from me. So so frustrating.

Boots own decongestant are pseudoephedrine, and cheaper than Sudafed.

Poor you! I often have blocked sinuses and resulting earache. All those tubes are linked so the following might help.
Alternate hot and cold drinks, including chewing ice and gum. Long hot steamy shower, with the window shut and fan off and yawn and pull on your ears.

Good you've suffered long enough. My mother had a sinus wash twice before she recovered

Just to add I was advised I can’t use pseudoephedrine as I am on meds for high blood pressure.

Best of luck with the hospital appt! So sorry it’s dragging on, it really is the most miserable thing. FWIW, I was really panicking I’d done lasting damage but I absolutely hadn’t. Really hope they have an effective treatment for you soon. 💐