Ear Problems

[lindas88]

I noticed the other night when I put my mask on that I felt a popping in my ear and it hurt a little. Now for the last couple of days my ear is hurting a bit...any connection to the pressure? I changed the ramp from 45 minutes to 30 minutes....could it be that? Any suggestions?

[lindas88]

ANYONE???

[DaveMunson]

I have had plugged ears since I started. Get to know the ENT (ear - nose - throat) doctor. A plugged ear can get worse. Pain = infection.

Do not hesitate in getting help (antibiotics). It can get worse quickly and be really painful.

I have been told by several "doctors" that plugged ears has nothing to do with the pressure: (they are WRONG).

Side effect I figure.

Anyone find a good cure?

[neversleeps]

lindas88,

Well, you'll be stunned to learn I did a search on this... entered Keyword: ear and pain and only 5 posts came up... not exactly a treasure trove of info.

Helpful suggestion from wader:

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 4:37 pm Post subject:

Can you determine if this is being caused by the pressure or sinus pressure caused by the drying affect of the cpap. Are you at a high prescribed pressure?
You might try using the ear plugs designed to help with the pressure differential when flying. You might also try putting on the mask a little while before you go to sleep and try to equalize the pressure by swallowing. Hope you can find a solution that works for you.

then this one:

sleepynomore
Guest

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 12:43 pm Post subject: pressure

I have a pressure of 13 and only in the beginning (since last June) did I occasionally have ear popping after swallowing. I don't even notice it now and I never feel like there's that much air blowing through the mask. I guess it's just getting used to it. Hang in there!

Sorry I couldn't find anything more concrete!

[WAFlowers]

Sounds like you are experiencing some congestion causing your eustachian tubes to close up. The pressure could force them open (esp. when you yawn) but then they could close trapping the pressure uncomfortably.

Ask your doctor if OTC decongestants such as Sudafed (or generic for same) are safe for you to use occasionally.

Be warned that they are a stimulant and could disrupt your sleep though, esp. if used in higher doses.

[lindas88]

Thanks guys....Dave...I guess I will go to the doctor and have my ears checked. Bill...I'll ask to see if I can use a decongestant...but I really don't want any more trouble with my sleep. I have a hard enough time now. And neversleeps...thanks for searching...I never think to do that... I may try what they said to do. I have a bad hearing loss in the ear that is bothering me so I better go see about it. I know one thing...I have a terrible time on airplanes....sometimes my ear hurts really bad when landing. Again, a big thank you....

[SickAndTired]

I thought it was common for xPAP users to not be able to hear once the pressure goes up... just me huh?

Maybe it's using a FF mask, or something related to the damage I received in the accident that started all of this, but when the pressure goes up, I get the feeling that my ears need to pop, but they never do. That's when everything starts sounding muffled like my head is underwater.

When I take off the mask and get out of bed in the morning, I've noticed that for about half of the trip across the bedroom, my ears seem to be 're-adjusting'. By the time I make it to the bathroom, my hearing is back to normal.


Guess I'll have to rely on my fierce attack cat to protect me from a midnight home invasion! Of course, since she's normally curled up next to my nice warm air hose, we may have to have a talk about her new job responsibilities!!! <grin>