Blocked Lugholes

[IndieSinger]

My ears have never been brilliant (what?) but I flew to Germany yesterday morning, got here at 6:35am and when I woke up (as we landed), my ears were blocked. Not unusual I know, but they've been blocked ever since and we're 34 hours on. To me, when I talk I sound like I'm under water and it's difficult to hear everyone else talking to me. Sometimes it crackles when I yawn and/or swallow, but nowt much else happens. No amount of cleaning and cotton-budding is working. Haayy-ulp!

[j2buttonsw]

Try: filling you mouth with a gulp of water, close your mouth then blow (so your cheeks expand), pinch your nose then swallow. You should hear more crackling as the air pressure balance between your inner ear and the atmosphere is redressed. I find it takes a day or two to clear then it is ok (ready to be upset by the return journey).

[IndieSinger]

Thanks j2buttonsw I think I'll stand on my head while I'm doing it too, as it doesn't seem complicated enough. Hehe no seriously thankyou, I've written it down and will do it when I get back. Luckily, they won't be upset too soon because I don't return until at least August. Thanks again :)

[sft42]

Have a hot bath.....sometimes the wax build up in the ears can be moved due to pressure changes on a flight and a hot bath will help melt the wax.....give it a go.

[jridgeback]

Dont use cotton buds - they just push the wax further into the ear ! When you get home you can buy these devices to safely clean inside your ears - ive seen an advert for them - you can buy one in boots !

[IndieSinger]

Trouble is, there is no wax in my ears. It perplexed the doctor last year, 'cause he said my ears were too clean. Tonight I will try j2buttonsw idea and then I will plunge my head into hot water for an hour or so as sft42 suggests.

[Hippy]

OK, so please, please, please, poke nothing into your ears. If you must try then use your elbow. Hot bath or shower will get rid of most excess wax in outer part of ears.

The popping and temporary deafness is caused by inequality in air pressure on either side of the eardrum, and this is normally regulated by a link from the inner ear to the back of the nasal catacombs called the Eustachian tube. When this is restricted the pressure can't equalise. The water gulping trick is good for relief, but a longer term remedy is to reduce your intake of milk (I jest not!) and dairy products. The sinus congestion will decrease after a week or so.

This trick is well known to professional singers, whose clarity of voice is adversely affected by dairy produce. (Please, no quips about cows and fat ladies at last singing!)