Ear pressure and facial tension

[Michael8272]

Hi, I've been struggling with ear fullness and pressure switching from ear to ear all day for the last two weeks and facial tension. I thought this was because of hayfever but really not sure any more.doctor says it allergys and should calm down. Does anyone else get this.i get a release when swallow sometimes?

[Shellipops]

Hi Michael,

Sounds like eustacian tube dysfunction. My GP told me I had it after a very brief examination...still waiting on ENT appt. Symptoms you describe are exactly as mine though I also have sinus issue....loads of facial pressure especially when bending down. Was given a steroid nasal spray for this which eased it somewhat. The act of swallowing, yawning etc opens the tubes and allows fluid to drain away. If they are blocked this can cause ear fullness, popping, crackling noises. Ive been demented with it for past 5 weeks following a head cold from hell. Steam your face and humidifiers help. Ive started taking Turmeric and Bromelain for inflammation and today is the first day Ive noticed my head pressure and ear fullness decreased slightly my T also seems a bit softer too. The weather is also cooler so may be a factor. I think prolonged hot, dry weather, no moisture, dust, unusually high pollen and cold virus have just done my head in this summer (and I dont have allergies). I think it just takes time for everything to settle down.

Regards,

Shell

[Michael8272 in reply to Shellipops]

Hi she'll,

I've had crackling and popping for years and been to E.N.T not that long ago and tests were clear.i seem to be OK in the morning and then get worse as day goes on.i always start to get tension after 5pm for some reason.if I get my ear clear for a few moments,it then moves to the other one.i do get hayfever and with the weather so warm it didn't help.facial tension feels like head is going to explode.i'm going to Turkey on 3 weeks and don't know how I'm going to fly like this

[Shellipops in reply to Michael8272]

Hi there,

From what Ive read a lot of folk with tube issues take Nasonex and Sudafed before flying. Have you taken antihistamines before?....some recommend that also. Could it be that as the day progresses anxiety about your head sensations increases?. I know I start getting anxious about my T on the commute home as the house is quieter than my workplace....Im slowly realising that my stressing about my symptoms only amplifies them and creates many others...this is re enforced when Im busy or occupied as I dont notice them at all !. Ive never paid myself so much attention as I have done in the last 5 months and not in a good way. Easier said than done but try and stay calm and look forward to your holiday....lots of folk on here have had apprehension pre holiday but later posted that it did them the world of good.

Best wishes,

Shell

[Michael8272 in reply to Shellipops]

Hi shell,

Yes took antihistamines.your right I pay attention to everything especially ears.i was already worrying about flying with hyperacusis about two weeks ago before I got this.funny enough my hyperacusis has went down since this started and tinnitus aswel. Facial tension bad this evening but would say anxiety killing me. My mum recons it could be sinus related. I really don't know

[Shellipops in reply to Michael8272]

Yip, your symptoms and current mindset sound exactly like mine. I now appreciate how much the ears, nose and throat are all linked. On the few days I have some clarity...I look back and other than T I had all of these symptoms on and off but my brain attached absolutley no importance to them. Now post T I fret about everything....or did. Im very slowly, day by day learning that a lot of the time its my cursed brain blowing stuff out of proportion. My T took a back seat recently when I got my cold as I was so focused (anxious!!) on my other symptoms....now if I can allow my brain to apply that principle to the good stuff....eg an upcoming holiday 😎....well the possibilities are endless. It really is a journey of "re" self discovery I think and I now "get" why the advice is to live your life as normal and keep your mind occupied....the devil makes light work for idle neurons. Try and relax, force yourself to do the stuff you used to, anything really to use up the energy your brain would otherwise use to fret.....and most of all GO and have a blast on your holiday.

Take care,

Shell

[Michael8272 in reply to Shellipops]

Hopefully I will,see doctor next week about ear blocking and what to take before flying. Sudefed does seem good option,pollen season will be dieing down soon,so that will help. T is a devil and just shows how powerful the brain is to latch on to things.as you said I don't remember last year if had blocked ears with hayfever or not because of t this year I'm latching onto everything ear related. It's not easy.

Thanks

[richard56 in reply to Shellipops]

Hi Shellipops, I am using the Headspace Meditation app for pain management. The approach is what you`re comments are about.

I've also recently purchased a book called "living with Tinnitus" from Amazon. Which is full of excellent information.

[Shellipops in reply to richard56]

Hi Richard,

Thanks for the advice....I have the Julian Cowan Hill book - Tyrant to Friend which sheds light in a simple way....his advice incorporates a form of Mindfulness.....problem I have is wanting to fall asleep every time I try the meditation exercises !!

Regards,

Shell

[Highwycombe]

Does it affect your hearing the ent said to me my tube is not working it been like this for 4 years now I have hearing loss T pressure and fullness I go back in two months but I really don't think they will do anything send me on my way.

[Michael8272 in reply to Highwycombe]

Hi,I only got ear pressure two weeks ago. I was with ent about 6 weeks ago. I had no hearing loss.all tests came back normal.no my hearing seems grand. This last few days I've had awful head pressure and headaches.i don't think allergys would cause this.it Could be anxiety.have you the fullness and pressure in both ears.i only get it in one ear at a time.it seems to move from ear to ear.