Loss of hearing/blocked eustachian tubes

[captain jack]

During a recent cold my ears became blocked/less effective. After struggling with this for a week I got to see a doctor today who said 'it will sort itself out - may be days, may be weeks'.

The thought of weeks is driving me mad - has anyone else had this and if so, how long did it take to right itself?

[T1PP3R]

This happened to me a few months ago, woke up and was literally stone deaf in my left ear, that lasted for about 12 hours and then popped and i was back to normal, didn't think much of it. then about a week later it happened again in the same ear but this time it lasted 8 days! nothing helped me...doctor was pretty much useless, went to the pharmacist who recommended a few ear drops and things. the blockage then dissapeared over a few hours, quite uncomfortable too....my advice would be to leave it, it should fix itself eventually.

[Zad]

As this is a fortnight later, I suspect you know the answer by now. It takes my eustachian tubes about 3 weeks to go from deaf as a post to 90% clear. I think the various ear drops are just placebo, as in a healthy ear the ear drum will stop any liquids from going any further.

In my case I had a sinus problem too, as well as a congested throat. Sudafed definitely helped there, and possibly healed with my ears (difficult to tell).

[acd80]

I went diving with an ear infection (I know, I know) earlier this year. I had problems with my ears for about 4 months as I picked up some severe infections in both my ears. I couldn't hear out my left ear at all for the best part of 2 weeks and I had pus oozing out of my right ear at the same time!

[Mobsta]

Days to weeks, depending. As well as the flu, I have an ear infection and can hear bugger all right now, which is good timing as well be spending time with OH's parents over Xmas

Best never ignored though. Ear infections can lead to Bell's palsy, which can lead to blindness.

[K77 CTR]

Steam inhalations, sudafed, otrivine nasal spray and plenty of water

[karona]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambroxol

I use mucosolvan:
http://www.mucosolvan.com/

Over the counter remedy that works quickly for me for earache, sinus pain and blocked tubes.

(Sorry, I sound like a medical sales rep )

[captain jack]

They cleared today! I've been religiously inhaling steam, chewing gum and holding a hot water bottle to the ear(s). Whether or not any of that helped I'm not sure, but I'm glad it's sorted!

[Mobsta]

What?

[motco]

I regularly use Valsava's manoeuvre to clear my ears.

[Mobsta]

motco said:

I regularly use Valsava's manoeuvre to clear my ears.

Manure to clear the ears, what did you say?

Glad yours is sorted op. being deaf isn't fun, mine hasn't cleared. Socially it's a struggle, were off to see friends in a minute and the simple act of choosing which side of them to sit on is a struggle. I renew my respect for deaf people with each ear infection I have.

[jackh707]

motco said:

I regularly use Valsava's manoeuvre to clear my ears.

Yup! dead straightforward... can sort out sort out SVT