Having trouble listening even with your hearing aids? Do you also feel a bit stuffy in your sinuses while you’re at it? Then that means it’s not entirely an ear or a hearing thing. It’s got something to do with your olfactory senses.
Our sinuses and ears are connected inside the head. Therefore, sinus congestion and stuffiness also impact the pressure in your ears. Treating the congestion may help. Remember, clogged sinuses can mean more than a stuffy nose. It can sometimes result in pain, dizziness, and a muffled-ear sensation you only get when you’re on a descending plane.
Here’s how you can deal with these pesky, interconnected problems.
Apply Moisture
Arid temperatures worsen colds and congestion, so don’t crank your hearing aids. Use a nasal saline spray several times daily, or hold a warm, moist washcloth to your face. Any of these steps can ease the pressure and pain.
Humidifiers will also help keep your sinuses from drying out. You can also sit in the bathtub with a hot shower running for 15 minutes to curb the pain.
Blow Your Nose Gently and One at a Time
Don’t forcefully shoot out mucus like you’re shooting a saw-off shotgun! You’ll end up spreading lint all over! Take a piece of tissue and release the mucus one nostril at a time in slow, gentle pushes as you’re blocking the other nostril. Do the same with the other. It’s less messy, and it also takes out all the stuffiness.
Check for Meds
Sometimes, the simplest solutions work. Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen, to relieve yourself from an earache or pain from sinus pressure.
Decongest
OTC tablets or nasal sprays can loosen sinus blockage, which may relieve clogged ears. However, don’t use nasal decongestant sprays for more than three days, or you’ll suffer from a rebound. The more you medicate with it, the more you need it because you’re congested.
Keep Hydrated
Drink a glass of water hourly, from morning until evening. You’ll notice expelling the mucus from your nose is much easier. That’s because hydration makes the nasal mucus thinner. You’ll also suffer from less stuffiness and headaches at night.
Maintain a Temperate Climate
Extreme heat will make your nose runny, while the polar opposite will just worsen congestion. It’s best to stay indoors with a warm blanket and an open window.
Tilt Your Head Up
As with the tip above, any activity that requires your head to be anywhere but looking up will worsen the pressure and lead to a runny nose. This is why most sick people are portrayed as lying on a couch with either paper towels stuck on their noses or looking up. It eases the congestion.
Don’t Do Anything to Cause Dizziness
Stuffiness in the head can mimic the symptoms of a headache or migraine, so don’t do fast or intense movements like suddenly turning your head or working out. Take it slow and follow the above tips to keep your balance.
Conclusion
Once you’ve fully healed from congestion, you can go back to using your hearing aids in Londonderry from Hear More Associates! With our trusted specialists, you can enjoy hearing the sounds you love again, like your favorite TV show, animal, or loved ones’ voices. Take our free hearing test when you visit our website right now!
