I had a virus [diagnosed by GP] last week, or may still have one. I had a very sore throat, which has now gone buuuuut... my ears, especially the right one, matching the gland side which had been most swollen last week - have been very clogged up. They vary, and are worst morning and early afternoon. When I speak when it's at it's worst it sounds like I'm speaking underwater. Though apparently my voice sounds normal to others! I can hear, but it's at times all a bit squiffy/muffled, and the sound direction is off, and I can hear some pitches better than others. [I normally have off the scale sensitive hearing!]
My ears, mainly the right ear, also ache mildly.
I'm seeing my GP next Thursday anyway, for my regular mental health check in. Obviously if my ear/s still dodgy then I'll ask her if she can have a look then. But do you think I need an appointment sooner [it has been suggested to me by someone I trust that I might]?
Or, would a pharmacy stock anything that could help? I'm taking echinacea, with occasional paracetamol, though the latter was mainly for the throat, but I needed a dose for really bad frontal sinus pain this afternoon. Cloggedness moved from ear to sinuses. Nice! [Not.]
I have a walk in centre nearby. Might they be able to help?
I sort of did that approach yesterday. It worked for a while, then everything went into my sinuses...
I was hopeful today, as it had been fairly ok. Then late afternoon it all went pear shaped again, and my ears, particularly my left, are clogged up again.
Anyone have any ideas?
My flatmate's son [nearly 5] told me wisely that I need to use ear drops! Any good?
Ear drops are good if the problem is a build up of wax. I don't know if they'd be effective in other cases.
If wax is the problem, the doctor will tell you to use ear drops and then, if that doesn't work after a few days, you go back and get them syringed which is gross but gives you the worlds greatest headrush when you stand up afterwards.
Каждому, каждому в лучшее верится,
Катится, катится голубой вагон!
Sounds like it be could an inner ear congestion where the eustchian (spelling ?)tubes are inflammed and congested...so sadly ear drops won't do anything as they can not reach the fluid through the ear canal. The sad news is that this has to pass on its own, I would see your doc to be sure it's not a wax build up, but I reckon they will say this as it is a common course of progression from throat, sinus viruses. I have had it many times even to the point that I lost hearing in one ear! Rest, fluids all that jazz.
life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself.
Your practice nurse can look in your ears, but have you considered trying a decongestant like 'Sudafed'/pseudoephedrine? Your pharmacist can advise if its okay for you to use with meds your on etc.
Unfortunately, I don't tolerate those medications well, after years as a child on heavy anti-histamines for catarrh/sinus.
I see my GP on Thursday anyway.
It's been a week now.
I have trouble with my ears and if I have a cold/know my ears are going to inflame, I sleep with a warm hot water bottle,under a towel on top of my pillow. Even if its not wax it seems to soothe them.....just make sure its just warm not too hot!x
There are times to stay put, and what you want will come to you.
But there are times to go out into the world and find such a thing for yourself.
I aint no abacus but you can count on me.
I think as said before the infection has probably affected your eustachian tubes (which are little tubes which go between your ears and throat). It was the first thing I thought of as soon as I saw the thread. Really this could be the virus is affecting them or that there is some inflammation around their entrace at the throat and that's where the problem is. I have a feeling the latter is more likely the problem. If you suck on ice cubes it may help to reduce swelling in your throat and may help. As may taking Ibuprofen if there is no reason why you can't.
As it came on quickly I don't think it will be that your ears are blocked with wax though it could be that there is an infection there but the doctor should have a good look down them and see. Even if it clears up by the time you see the doctor it may just be worth you mentioning it just in case it's only partially cleared and may recur as it may be due to other things.
Thanks Kim. There's no pain in my throat any more, which is confusing. I'll get myself my own ice cube tray tomorrow.
My GP always advises Paracetamol. I might have some Ibuprofen somewhere though.
Doesn't look like this will clear up by Thursday. It's not as bad as last week, but it's not right. And I have trouble hearing what people close to me are saying [but distance hearing is still clear]. Weird.
Yeh. The difference between Ibuprofen and Paracetamol and, therefore why I feel Ibuprofen would be better in this instance, is that Paracetamol really only helps to reduce the pain. However, Ibuprofen reduces any inflammation and removes the pain caused by this as well as making your nerves less sensitive to pain so it's not so much to reduce any pain but to see if it will help if there is any inflammation around your eustacian tubes. The inflammation only has to be really minor and may not even be noticeable as your eustacian tubes are so small that they can easily become blocked and not equalise pressure as well if there is any inflammation. This therefore would affect your hearing as the pressure in your ear may not be ideal and could be different to the surrounding pressure.
My tubes aren't aerating, apparently. No wax or whatnot.
She suggested Sudafed. Have taken a few doses. It's helping a bit. But then it does ease off in the evening, so I'll see what tomorrow brings.
Might be better over the next couple of days just to take the odd dose so that you know it's cleared. As it's affecting your sleep you could take it 1st thing in the morning
