OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Advice on Ongoing Ear Problems

A few years back, I experienced significant hearing loss in my right ear following a series of persistent ear infections in that same ear. The deterioration was gradual, making it difficult for me to notice the change right away. Recently, I encountered issues with my left ear as well, which became infected and resulted in temporary deafness until the infection resolved. Concerned about this new development—especially since effective hearing is critical to my profession—I consulted a physician. During the examination, the doctor noticed some earwax buildup, more pronounced in my right ear, but manageable in my left. He suggested using olive oil drops as a treatment. My former general practitioner had previously instructed me to avoid cotton swabs and allow my ears to naturally cleanse themselves, and I had been following that advice for several years. After incorporating the olive oil drops along with the occasional gentle cleaning with a cotton bud, I surprisingly regained a substantial amount of hearing in my right ear—this occurred about a month ago. Things were improving, and I assumed that the drops were effectively clearing my ears. However, after recovering from a recent bout of the flu, my left ear began to intermittently block and unblock itself. I have been diligent about using the olive oil and cleaning out any remaining wax, yet I find myself sitting and watching television when I suddenly experience a sensation of blockage, rendering me unable to hear. To momentarily alleviate this sensation—lasting roughly five to ten seconds—I mimic the actions someone might take to relieve an itch in the ear by pushing my finger against the ear and rotating it with some pressure. Unfortunately, the blockage returns almost immediately. If I yawn or hiccup, I experience a brief moment of relief at the peak of the yawn, but as soon as it concludes, the hearing loss resumes. I’ve attempted the olive oil treatment for about two to three weeks, as well as experimenting with different ear massage techniques, but nothing seems to provide lasting relief. I'm in the process of scheduling an appointment with my doctor, but securing one is notoriously difficult in my area; it may take several weeks to be seen. The thought of enduring this discomfort for that length of time is daunting. I'm reaching out in hopes that someone might have alternative suggestions or insights into what could be causing this issue. Thank you in advance for any help!

Answers (1)

3/19/2025, 2:40:42 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel concerned about your ongoing ear issues, especially given their impact on your hearing and daily life. The combination of your previous ear infections, current symptoms, and the delay in securing a doctor's appointment can be daunting. However, there are some steps you can take while you await your appointment.

Main Points:

1. Difficulty with intermittent ear blockage suggests potential Eustachian tube dysfunction or residual effects from your past infections.
2. Continuous gentle care may help but requires specific techniques for effective management.
3. If symptoms worsen significantly, there may be a need for prompt action.

Explanation: The Eustachian tube helps equalize pressure in the ear, and issues here can lead to sensations of fullness or temporary hearing loss. Your technique of yawning or hiccupping is a common way to equalize pressure, but if the tubing is consistently blocked, you might need to address that more directly. The olive oil is good for softening earwax, but if blockage persists, other factors could be at play, like fluid buildup or inflammation. Additionally, pressing on your ear may not always provide durable relief if there’s an underlying issue.

Next Steps:

1. Continue Olive Oil Use: Continue applying olive oil drops as recommended. Make sure to allow it to sit in the ear for a few minutes to soften wax effectively.

2. Nasal Decongestants: If you're also experiencing nasal congestion related to your recent flu, consider using a saline nasal spray or over-the-counter nasal decongestants. This can help reduce pressure in the Eustachian tubes.

3. Gentle Valsalva Maneuver: Once or twice a day, try the Valsalva maneuver to help equalize pressure:

   • Close your mouth, pinch your nose shut, and gently blow your nose. Do not use excessive force to avoid ear damage.

4. Stay Hydrated & Warm Compress: Keep your body well-hydrated to thin mucus, and consider applying a warm compress to the affected ear, which may help alleviate discomfort.

5. Track Symptoms: Keep a notebook detailing when you experience blockage and any other symptoms. Note any patterns, like association with allergies, colds, or other activities (like loud noises), which could help during your medical visit.

While it’s good that you are in the process of scheduling an appointment, if you experience worsening symptoms—such as severe pain, discharge, persistent hearing loss, or dizziness—consider seeking more immediate care options.

Please take care, and I hope you find relief soon!