First Time Caller: Tinnitus from Volleyball Impact, Now Worsened by Plane Pressure

[MrsP]

Just found you guys! Hello!

I've had tinnitus for almost two years. I was hit very hard on the left ear with a hard volleyball serve. At least I know what caused mine. Had my GP check my ear and was told it looks fine. I just cope with it.

Today, however, I flew from TX to FL and watched TV with earbuds. My right ear stopped up as sometimes is normal when flying. It is now 5 hours since I got off the plane. My right ear is now ringing, also, and still clogged. I tried all the usual methods to "pop" the right ear. And nothing is working. Ugh!!! Now both ears are ringing. Any advice?

—Really Bummed.

 

[tobyharrixon]

Try not to do the Valsalva manoeuvre. Here are some safer alternatives - https://dan.org/health-medicine/hea...e-like-a-pro/6-methods-to-equalize-your-ears/

Try chewing a lot of gum/continuously sucking on a sweet.

 

[Pen Walker]

I'm no professional, but it sounds like Eustachian tube dysfunction or something similar. Go to a doctor, sooner rather than later. And don't force your ears to open up by force; that can go very wrong.

 

[billie48]

Just found you guys! Hello!

I've had tinnitus for almost two years. I was hit very hard on the left ear with a hard volleyball serve. At least I know what caused mine. Had my GP check my ear and was told it looks fine. I just cope with it.

Today, however, I flew from TX to FL and watched TV with earbuds. My right ear stopped up as sometimes is normal when flying. It is now 5 hours since I got off the plane. My right ear is now ringing, also, and still clogged. I tried all the usual methods to "pop" the right ear. And nothing is working. Ugh!!! Now both ears are ringing. Any advice?

—Really Bummed.

Welcome to the forum. Your symptoms seem to suggest barotrauma, which happens when the eardrums do not adjust to changes in barometric pressure during takeoff or descent. Sometimes wearing earplugs can prevent the ears from sensing these pressure changes, and they may fail to adjust properly.

You can search the forum for "barotrauma" or "barometric pressure" to see earlier discussions on this issue. My understanding is that the ears usually adjust slowly over time. This has happened to many people, myself included.

Now I try to drink, swallow, or yawn during the periods when the plane ascends or descends, and this has worked well for me.

Take good care. God bless.