SparkPeople advertisers help keep the site free! Learn more
    CTUPTON   72,928
SparkPoints 		60,000-79,999 SparkPoints
 
 
Blocked Eustacian tube -left side

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Both ears had a problem. But now only the left ear. I guess I need to 'pop' the ear so air can stabilize on both sides of my eardrum. I have been going into the steam/eucalyptus room.

Long ago, an ENT tried to teach me the hold my nose and blow (with mouth closed) method. I never was very successful with that.

I also have tinnitus and a hearing loss. The hearing loss is unrelated and I have hearing aides.


Things that should work: yawning, drinking and swallowing, the method described above....

I am taking Zyrtec daily for allerdies and I just re-started taking Mucinex.


I have not yet tried a warm heating pad or moist warm towel.

emoticon chris
SHARE
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

NPA4LOSS 1/18/2013 9:33AM

    emoticon I have tinnitus related to medication. I hope that you are able to find some relief and a quick recovery. emoticon

Report Inappropriate Comment
MAIZEY 1/18/2013 8:07AM

    I hope your plugged tube clears soon. It is so distressing when this happens. I had an allergist share the following strategy with me and it works for me every time.

Twice per day, drink 8 ounces of clear water. The trick is to pinch your nostrils shut with one hand and then drink the water and swallow with your nose remaining plugged. You don't need to drink all 8 ounces at once, but you doo want to take a big drink each time.

Report Inappropriate Comment
DJ4HEALTH 1/18/2013 12:03AM

    Hope you heal fast!!

Report Inappropriate Comment
ALIHIKES 1/17/2013 9:02PM

    I hope you heal soon. It is not fun to have a blocked eustachian tube! emoticon

Report Inappropriate Comment
FLAMENM 1/17/2013 8:57PM

    I hate it when my ears get clogged. I learned self-massage of the jaw area under teh ears can sometimes help.

Report Inappropriate Comment
BELDONDOG1 1/17/2013 7:54PM

    So sorry to hear you're not feeling well. I had to learn to hold the nose and blow to get the one ear open. It feels great is you can do it. Take care!

Report Inappropriate Comment
1STATEOFDENIAL 1/17/2013 7:49PM

    I've had issues with ear infections since I was a baby. A few tricks I use:

Put several drops of witch hazel into your ear, tilting your head so it stays in for a few minutes. Then tilt your head and let it drain. This kills bacteria and helps to dry out the ear if water has gotten in there. Witch hazel kills bacteria but doesn't overly dry out the area. Rubbing alcohol kills bacteria and does overly dry the area so should be used less often. Hydrogen peroxide should NOT be used because it turns into water and oxygen, which just makes the problem worse plus it damages healthy tissue.

Use mouthwash more often and tilt your head so your ear faces the floor. This allows the mouthwash to head towards the eustachian tube and will kill bacteria in the lower part of the tube. It will also kill bacteria in the mouth that can travel up into the ears.

Stretch your neck muscles, especially those below your ears and just below your jaw. When those muscles become tense and knotted it can put so much pressure on the eustachian tubes that it essentially shuts them off (like stepping on a hose). My TMJ PT has shown me this and working with her has really helped with my ears. If you can find someone who can massage your neck to release those muscles you'll feel a difference as well.

Part of the trick to holding your nose and using air pressure to open up your ears is to slide your jaw forward (not open, forward) to take pressure off the eustachian tubes. This can be difficult, even dangerous, because it can make you dizzy, nauseous, and can even make you faint. So only do it with supervision and/or while laying down so you don't risk injury. If you do open up the area, you will probably feel thick, gross mucus in your throat and mouth afterwards; spit it out and rinse your mouth if you can.

Remember, your ears, nose, and throat are interconnected. If you have an infection in one, it will affect all. Make sure your sinuses, teeth, and throat are receiving attention also, because a problem with one will just make the ear problems worse. Also, you may want to see an ENT (ear, nose, throat doctor) so they can get a better look at the area to ensure there is no defect or disease that is causing problems. You may also bring this up to your primary doctor for anything else that could be causing problems, including things like GERD, misalignment of ear crystals, etc.

Report Inappropriate Comment
YENGLISH100 1/17/2013 7:29PM

    Thanks for sharing. I also get ringing in my ears. It is frustrating. I hope you feel better soon too. emoticon

Report Inappropriate Comment
THROOPER62 1/17/2013 6:50PM

    emoticon emoticon

Report Inappropriate Comment
123ELAINE456 1/17/2013 6:47PM

  So sorry to hear You aren't feeling because of your Ear Problem. I hope You Feel better real soon. I would encourage You to try the Heating Pad on Low and the Warm Wet Towel and see if that helps. God Bless You and Have an Awesome Day. Take Care. Hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Report Inappropriate Comment
BABY_GIRL69 1/17/2013 6:06PM

    I hope you feeel better soon....

God bless,

Dee

Report Inappropriate Comment
WALLAHALLA 1/17/2013 5:25PM

    emoticon emoticon

Report Inappropriate Comment
MOM2ACAT 1/17/2013 5:13PM

    I have used heating pads for ear aches and it is something that usually makes me feel better. I also use homeopathic ear drops, such as Similisan.

Hope you feel better soon!

Report Inappropriate Comment
KATHARINEBRAY 1/17/2013 4:55PM

    we age gracefuly
who ever said it was fun . medically wise emoticon

Report Inappropriate Comment

Add Your Comment to the Blog Post


Log in to post a comment.