Myringotomy: How long til the ear feels normal?

I'm also looking for answers on a similar situation.

Since relocating to a state with a different climate, I've had on and off issues with a plugged right ear. My first occurrence - in late 2024 - went away after a started using Aller-Flo/Flonase daily. However, I got a sinus infection in February and, shortly after most of the normal symptoms subsided, I started to notice some minor clogging of my right ear and the inability to properly pressurize.

The clogging isn't severe and the hearing loss is minor. I went to see my ENT and they recommended the myringotomy as a temporary solution to equalize the pressure but admitted it's probably not a permanent solution if I have Eustachian tube disfunction. My online reading led me to this discussion and has somewhat discouraged me from doing it. I also ruptured my ear drum as a kid and required surgery to repair it (myringoplasty), so I'm nervous to intentionally cut my ear drum.

I have a few more ENT appointments set up for the next 6-9 months for additional opinions but I was wondering if anyone here has any guidance. Did any find any solutions for themselves?

Also, with a condition like a clogged ear, is it dangerous to fly?

I'm also looking for answers on a similar situation.

Since relocating to a state with a different climate, I've had on and off issues with a plugged right ear. My first occurrence - in late 2024 - went away after a started using Aller-Flo/Flonase daily. However, I got a sinus infection in February and, shortly after most of the normal symptoms subsided, I started to notice some minor clogging of my right ear and the inability to properly pressurize.

The clogging isn't severe and the hearing loss is minor. I went to see my ENT and they recommended the myringotomy as a temporary solution to equalize the pressure but admitted it's probably not a permanent solution if I have Eustachian tube disfunction. My online reading led me to this discussion and has somewhat discouraged me from doing it. I also ruptured my ear drum as a kid and required surgery to repair it (myringoplasty), so I'm nervous to intentionally cut my ear drum.

I have a few more ENT appointments set up for the next 6-9 months for additional opinions but I was wondering if anyone here has any guidance. Did any find any solutions for themselves?

Also, with a condition like a clogged ear, is it dangerous to fly?

Hi Ryan. I had the same problem too and I’m 6 days post op as well. Have you noticed any changes? I feel like I’m going crazy. I can’t function.

I am a 74 year old male. I had tubes installed 3 days ago . Ever since then my hearing sounds like my head is in a coffee can also I have tinnitus. How long does it take for my hearing to return to normal ?

@chelmsford@sueinmn I had the exact same procedure (myringotomy without tube placement) in my left ear. I had allergies and my head was congested (I was taking Claritin-D for relief). I ended up flying cross country and during the descent my ears clogged up. Before this episode the ears would pop or clear up within 2 to 3 minutes. This was a Monday early morning. By Thursday the left ear still was clogged and went to my ENT. He stated I could do 3 things. (1) Do nothing (2) Prescribed antibiotics and steroids [he stated they don't really do anything] or (3) the myringotomy without tube placement, which I chose. It has been almost 3 weeks and no change, my ear is still the same. My ear did drain for about 4 days which is normal. I message my ENT on MyChart and told him my concerns, especially after I started doing the Valsalva maneuver after the procedure and wanted to know if this caused any damage to the eardrum. He answered the draining is normal but did not address my other concerns and has since not communicated with me after sending more messages asking for answers. I have another appointment with another ENT on April 10th and I hope I get relief and answers, I hate not being able to hear out the left ear.

@firespooks have any of your symptoms gotten better by now?