[sparkle86]

Hi all,

I had flu last week and since then have had blocked hearing. I've been to the doctors and he has said there is no wax or infection in the ear at all. So i'm guessing it's just air that's built up that won't pop!

I've tried so much but they just won't pop. Problem is i'm going on holiday in 9 days time so really need them to pop before I go so i'm not in pain on the flight or anything.

Has anyone got any other ideas or do you think the pressure on the plane might actually help them pop? Sometimes I think my hearing is back to normal but other times I realise it's not. It's so so so frustrating!!!

I'll try anything!

Thanks. x

[Chiko 1001]

Hold your nose and keep your mouth closed, eyes shut tight and breathe out hard. Usually makes your ears pop. If they don't, it's probably because you're still bunged up after your flu. Last time I had flu I had my ears syringed a week later from wax buildup, but if your doctor couldn't see any through an otoscope then it can't be that..

[coca]

I've had this before. It just went away by itself after a few days.

[Crimmy]

if it sticks around, get ear drops from your gp/drop in center

[swarfliam]

My GP 'flushed' my ear out when i had it, could ask for that...

[rachel.h]

My ears block every time I get a cold. 9 days will probably be more than enough for the problem to sort itself out on its own. Your sinuses and ears will go back to normal and will return to their job of draining the goo that's clogging your ear. If you are still suffering by that time-

Hold your nose, close your mouth and blow through your nose very GENTLY.
Yawning opens the ear canal, so does chewing and swallowing.
Take a decongestant before the flight.
Wear these on the flight: http://www.lloydspharmacy.com/en/ear...one-pair-15447

[OU Student]

(Original post by swarfliam)
My GP 'flushed' my ear out when i had it, could ask for that...

I had this done in March. I'm still suffering with the side effects.

[Anonymous]

yeah i had a blocked ear from wax and the gp just suggested putting some olive or almond oil in my ear. After a day or two my ear was fine. remember not to poke at it. I know ur gp said there was no was but hey ho

[Sabertooth]

Sometimes during a flu/cold the eustachian tubes get blocked and for some reason don't drain. It results in a lot of pain. You can get a nose spray from your doctor which clears them in about 3 weeks.

[Jamie]

(Original post by Sabertooth)
Sometimes during a flu/cold the eustachian tubes get blocked and for some reason don't drain. It results in a lot of pain. You can get a nose spray from your doctor which clears them in about 3 weeks.

Exactly.

The tonsils that surround the exit part of the eustachian tube in the back of the throat swell, blocking it off. THey take a while to improve, and during that time its not uncommon to feel your ears are about to pop.
I had one bout as a teenager that lasted months.

[LittleGee]

Stand up straight and then bend down really quickly so your head almost touches the floor. Stay bent over for a few minutes and do the hold your nose / close your mouth thing and then swallow really hard!!! I know it sounds stupid but it always works for me.

Hope your ear clears before you go on the plane, nothing worse than ear ache on a plane!

[jimbo139]

Currently wrestling with the exact same problem. Try decongestant tablets, such as pseudoephedrine (ie proper sudafed). Try sucking sweets on the plane, and/or try to persuade the pressure in your middle ear to sort itself out by yawning (lets air out) or pinching your nose and blowing your cheeks out (pushes air in). You could take some painkillers with you in case you get an earache. And failing that, be patient - it will sort itself out over time.