And in those people, they can make all the difference in the world-allowing people to reengage with friends and family and to be more involved again.”Īlthough nearly 27 million Americans age 50 and older have hearing loss, only one in seven uses a hearing aid. “What we do know is that there’s no downside to using hearing aids. “These studies have never been done before,” he notes. Your symptoms last for more than a week or keep coming back.Can hearing aids reduce these risks? Lin hopes to find out in a new study, still in the planning stages.You have head, face, or ear pain, or swelling that doesn’t get better with non-prescription medication.Most of the time, they go away on their own.
Usually, ear problems related to a sinus issue aren’t severe and don’t last long. Stuffy sinuses can make it hard or impossible to equalize ear pressure. Scuba divers should avoid diving when their problems flare up. Sinus-related ear problems can cause problems in the water, too.
So take them at least 30 minutes to an hour before takeoff. Pills and capsules can take a while to get into your system and begin working. Before you get on the plane, try a nasal spray or oral decongestant. If you must fly, don’t wait for the pain to hit to try to relieve pressure. If you can, avoid air travel when you’re having sinus problems, especially if they affect your ears. If you already have sinus pain or pressure, flying can be tough. The pressure changes you feel on an airplane can be uncomfortable. These can affect your circulation, and minor changes in blood flow can affect your ears. Don’t stand up too quickly or shake your head fast.Īvoid caffeine, salt, alcohol, and tobacco products. That helps it drain and means less nighttime stuffiness.Ī build-up of pressure in the inner ear, including pressure caused by sinus problems, can sometimes make you feel dizzy. When you stay hydrated, it keeps nasal mucus thin. Block one nostril while you blow through the other.ĭrink plenty of fluids. You’ll want to skip yoga class until the sinus problem is over.īlow your nose gently. If you bend forward with your head down, it can make the pressure worse. If your ears bother you, it isn’t the time to go jogging on a hot day or build a snow fort with the kids. They can make sinus-related ear problems worse. But don't use nasal decongestant sprays for more than 3 days, or you will rebound… meaning the more you use it the more you need it because you’re congested.Īvoid extreme temperatures. Over-the-counter tablets or nasal sprays can ease sinus blockage which in turn can relieve clogged ears.
Try an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen, to ease an earache or pain from sinus pressure. Or you can sit in the bathroom with a hot shower running for 15 minutes to curb pain.Ĭheck the medicine cabinet. Humidifiers will also help keep your sinuses from drying out. Use a nasal saline spray several times a day, or hold a warm, moist washcloth to your face. Stuffiness, Ear Discomfort, and Sinus Pain You can take steps to relieve your ears once you know what the problem is, though. You can also have pain, dizziness, and that muffled-ear sensation, like you’re in a descending plane. Treating the congestion may help.Clogged sinuses can mean more than a stuffy nose. So sinus congestion and stuffiness can affect the pressure in your ears. Your sinuses and ears are connected inside your head.