I can't Hear

[mbuster]

I have a massive head cold, and my left ear sounds like it's lo-passed at like 1K. Anybody got any quick "head de-clogging" methods? Non-prescription cold/flu remedies make my brain silly.
It's been a week. I can't hear.......

[eagan]

Cook up a pile up something with wads of garlic and onion.

Then, a while after eating, crank up the shower, leaving off any kind of exhaust fan you have in there, with the water full hot.

Sit in there a while. Enjoy the clouds of steam.

Have a sufficient amount of suitable rag around to catch the ick on the exit, and when you feel stuff starting to break loose, get honking.

Extra pointer. Learn that your sinus passages run all kinds of odd routes through your head, and strategic and sensitive tilting of your head in the needed directions, while all this honking ugliness is in progress, can definitely help.

All this is better if you live alone, or at least have family, significant other, etc., who are not easily disgusted.


Have fun!



JLE

[Fulcrum]

I guess the walk-in clinic isn't an option?

Why would the left ear be affected and the right one not? Ear wax maybe? You might want something to dissolve whatever might be in there.

Failing that you may need to bite the bullet and get silly for a day or so.

[Jeff_C]

Anybody got any quick "head de-clogging" methods?

Some hot Chinese food (Szechuan or Hunan) will get you a short "opening of the sinuses."

I bet a few mouthfuls of raw horseradish root would work, too. At a minimum it'll take your mind off your head congestion...

[MacGregor]

I have a massive head cold, and my left ear sounds like it's lo-passed at like 1K. Anybody got any quick "head de-clogging" methods? Non-prescription cold/flu remedies make my brain silly.
It's been a week. I can't hear.......

Could be that your eustachian tube (see here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:HumanEar.jpg) for details,
that sucker is located at the lower right)
is closed (that happens sometimes when you've got a cold).
When you blow your nose too hard this can cause the symptom
you describe because of the increasing pressure inside.
Sometimes dry swallowing or eating a bubble gum helps, but I
recommend to visit a doctor, you never know.

Mac

[mbuster]

Yeah. It mostly feels like the whole side of my head is packed with fluid. I'm trying some hot compresses, and I'm going to try the steam & garlic routine later. If I'm not better by monday, I guess I'll try the doctor.....
Thanks guys.

[eagan]

If it's worst in the left side of your head, aside from all the other stuff..... try to sleep on your right side. Let gravity help. Seriously.


JLE

[MacGregor]

If it's worst in the left side of your head, aside from all the other stuff..... try to sleep on your right side. Let gravity help. Seriously.


JLE

Yep, that's what I do, too.

Mac

[Dubnick]

If it is your eustation tube, you might try to get a perscription for nasonex - it's like a nasal steroid - helps me when allergy season comes around and/or I have a cold. Using one of those ear cleaning kits can't hurt when used properly, if your unsure if it's your eustation tube or not. If you're really stuffed up, I'd try eating a lot of jalepenos (helps for chest congestion too) but be prepared for the muchous (sp) that will flow after doing so. Steam thing is good too. If you don't have a cold, you might see if it's wax build up - I've had a couple friends tell me they went to the doctor and had thier ears cleaned out thoroughly and it was like night and day. Good luck!

[lebouche]

If its any consolation I started to lose my hearing and my eyesight v badly in the last 6 months....I blame both on my studio. Doctor time soon:Sad:

[recall]

I had this a while back. Went to the doctor. Ater a week or so of placing a few drops of olive oil down the affected ear canal to soften the wax (held in place by a piece of cotton wool).
Then the nurse syringed my left ear with warm water and hey presto my hearing was restored. Seemed there was a build up there. It was weird havng full range hearing restored

[Brendo]

don't try to clean out the wax with qtips.

[airborne]

Try ear candles, and equalisation (The scuba diving technique, not the recording technique)

[Brendo]

ear candles??? what the fuck?

[lebouche]

http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/candling.html :Thumbdown: :Uh oh: :lol:

[airborne]

Ear candles. they're a traditional thing :lol:

[Brendo]

its more the "what the fuck are you thinking" factor than "what the fuck is an ear candle", but sure.

[archtop]

I'm pretty sure ear candles have been debunked, or is it bunked?.

[BoogieWithStu]

Hey all,
Please proceed with caution with ear candling. I've heard a couple of people say it's fine, but also heard horror stories of permanent tinnitus. I personally would not go there.

I do however cook with a lot of onions and garlic. Gotta love that part of nature...

Stu

[mbuster]

Well, I went to the doctor yesterday. Turns out I have a sinus infection and an ear infection, which I haven't had since I was a wee little babe. Anyway, got prescribed some goodies, we'll see. Today my "good" ear cleared unexpectedly, and I realized that it must not have been so "good" after all....
Can't wait till my bad one lets go. It's pretty much just constant ringing right now. And my eardrum itches.
But I should be better soon, and able to hear my shitty mixes in all their splendor.