Concerned After a Recent Concert: Ears Still Feel Off
Three days have passed since I attended a concert, and my ears have yet to return to normal. I’m a 20-year-old male with no previous history of hearing issues. Initially, my ears experienced significant discomfort, accompanied by a migraine. Fortunately, the migraine subsided, and there has been a slight improvement in my hearing; however, I still feel a sensation of fullness in my ears, reminiscent of what one might experience during a flight. I conducted a few online assessments to evaluate the state of my hearing, which indicated that it is functioning properly aside from the ongoing fullness. I’m wondering if this feeling will eventually resolve on its own, and if so, how long that process typically takes?
Answers (1)
2/16/2026, 12:40:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you experienced some temporary ear discomfort and fullness after attending a concert, which can happen due to exposure to loud sounds. The good news is that many people recover from these sensations as their ears heal, and it can often take a few days to weeks for everything to return to normal.
Explanation:
The fullness in your ears and the initial discomfort can be attributed to temporary changes in the ear, often related to loud noises, which may cause some swelling or fluid buildup. This is sometimes associated with a condition called temporary threshold shift, where your ears need time to recover from noise exposure.
The migraine you experienced is also commonly linked to loud environments and can exacerbate discomfort. It's reassuring that your hearing tests indicated normal function aside from the fullness, suggesting your ears are likely not permanently damaged.
Next Steps:
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Patience: It may take a few more days to weeks for your ears to fully return to normal. Monitor how you're feeling and be patient with the process.
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Hydration and Swallowing: Drinking plenty of fluids and swallowing often (like during chewing gum or sipping water) can help relieve the sensation of fullness by promoting fluid drainage in the ears.
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Avoid Further Loud Noises: Give your ears a break from loud environments and sounds to minimize strain.
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Warm Compress: If you still feel discomfort, applying a warm cloth against your ear may help soothe any lingering irritation.
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Monitor Symptoms: If the feeling of fullness does not improve significantly in a week or worsens, or if you develop new symptoms like dizziness, severe pain, or persistent headaches, consider seeking medical advice to rule out any underlying issues.
Your ears are likely healing, and these steps should help. Let me know if you need more information or support!
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