Unexpected Ear Sensation After Blowing Nose
I'm a 19-year-old female who recently had the flu. In a moment of exertion while blowing my nose too forcefully, I experienced a sort of popping sensation in my left ear. Now, following each swallow, I notice a peculiar vibrating feeling in my ear, almost as if there's a light tapping each time. Is this something that warrants a visit to an ear, nose, and throat specialist? Although the discomfort has decreased significantly, it did cause some pain initially. My hearing seems unaffected. Additionally, I have a condition known as keratosis obturans, which results in a considerable accumulation of earwax; however, I don’t have an excessive buildup at the moment. Just a heads-up: approximately every twenty swallows, I experience a slight ache, though it’s not particularly painful.
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 4:01:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a common issue related to eustachian tube function after having the flu, especially following the forceful act of blowing your nose. The popping and vibrating sensation in your ear could be due to temporary changes in pressure within the ear, which is not uncommon after upper respiratory infections.
Explanation:
When you blow your nose forcefully, it can cause pressure changes in the ear that affect the eustachian tube — the canal that connects your middle ear to the back of your throat. This tube helps equalize air pressure and drain fluids from your middle ear. If it becomes temporarily impaired or affected by pressure changes, you might feel sensations like popping or vibrating after swallowing.
Given your history of keratosis obturans, it's also good that you’re not having excessive earwax; any buildup could complicate matters, but it seems like you’re fine on that front.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms for the next few days. If the vibrating sensation persists or worsens, or if you develop any new symptoms such as pain, hearing loss, or noticeable fluid coming from your ear, then further evaluation may be necessary.
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Avoid Forceful Nose-Blowing: Be gentle when clearing your nose. Instead of blowing hard, try to pinch one nostril closed and breathe out gently through the other or use saline nasal spray to help clear congestion.
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Stay Hydrated and Altitude Changes: Drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus and promote drainage. When swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum can help in equalizing ear pressure, especially during altitude changes (like flying or driving through mountains).
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Pain Management: If you experience any aching or discomfort, over-the-counter pain relief like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be helpful, following the instructions on the package.
Given that discomfort was temporary and your hearing is unaffected, it may not immediately warrant an ENT visit. However, if your symptoms fail to improve within a week or you have any concerning changes, seeking professional advice would be prudent. Keep me updated on your progress or if you have more questions!
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