That moment you realize you’ve officially become a human who hears everything like you’re underwater. 🌊🤧
Day 4 of the cold. The sniffles are manageable, the cough is... there, but the worst part? The "Muffled Audio" feature that seemingly activated in my left ear. plugged ears with a cold
: pinching his nose and taking a big gulp of water at the same time to force those stubborn tubes to react. Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials +3 4. When to Call the Pros His doctor tells him that while this "plugged" feeling can last a few days or even weeks after a cold, he should seek medical attention if he notices: Severe or sharp pain Fever or dizziness Fluid or drainage coming from the ear Significant hearing loss that doesn't improve Liv Hospital +2 Within a week of consistent hydration and gentle care, Leo's "underwater" world finally returns to normal. Sussex Audiology Centre +1 Would you like to know more about That moment you realize you’ve officially become a
Ear plugging, or a feeling of fullness in the ears, is a common symptom experienced by many individuals, particularly during colds. The sensation of having "plugged" or "stopped up" ears can be uncomfortable and even painful. In this paper, we will explore the relationship between ear plugging and colds, discussing the underlying causes, symptoms, and potential remedies. there, but the worst part
Navigating the desire to "clear" the ears requires a gentle touch. Many instinctive attempts to fix the problem can actually make it worse. Forcefully holding the nose and blowing—known as the Valsalva maneuver—can generate dangerously high pressure that may damage the eardrum if the Eustachian tube is completely sealed. Instead, safer, more gradual methods focus on reducing inflammation and encouraging the tube to open naturally. Swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum can gently work the muscles that help pull the Eustachian tube open. Staying well-hydrated thins mucus, making it less likely to form a stubborn plug. Using a warm compress on the ear can soothe discomfort and improve blood flow. Saline nasal sprays or over-the-counter decongestants (used for no more than a few days) can help shrink the swollen nasal tissues, indirectly relieving the Eustachian tube’s opening. Above all, patience is key: as the body fights off the cold virus and the swelling recedes, the ears will typically right themselves.
The symptoms of ear plugging during colds may include:
Until then, I’ll be over here reading lips and asking "What?" for the 50th time today.