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Myringotomy: How long til the ear feels normal?

Posted by chelmsford @chelmsford, Sep 20, 2022

Hi!! New to the group and wondering if anyone has had this procedure (no tube)
I had it done 5 days ago and my ear feels more blocked / and pressure then before - and ringing - anyone experience this? And if so how long til the ear feels normal

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sepdvm | Apr 27 8:07am
In reply to @auros "I'm also looking for answers on a similar situation. Since relocating to a state with a..." + (show)
@auros

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?

Jump to this post

@auros, my husband has had chronic issues with one ear plugging. One ENT placed tubes, another wanted to avoid tubes and treated with Flonase and decongestant spray. That has seemed to be the best solution for him so likely allergy related. They recommend to him to use the spray decongestant ( like Afrin) starting 24 hours before a flight, as well as his Flonase. He pretty much uses Flonase PRN nowadays. Oral antihistamines and Mucinex have also been recommended but don't seem to provide the same relief. He has had this for years.

REPLY
midniteangelcloudjum | @midniteangelcloudjum | 6 days ago
In reply to @auros "I'm also looking for answers on a similar situation. Since relocating to a state with a..." + (show)
@auros

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?

Jump to this post

I have had 8. Just had one on the 18th. I get fluid behind the ear drum and it has to be drained or it gets stagnant and then infected. The ENT numbs the ear drum first and makes a tiny hole in the ear drum and drains the fluid and then puts a tube in. I have never had a problem with it. I take a Valium a half hr before the procedure. I also go like once a yr to have my ears vacuumed out and they feel so good afterward.

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