I have a TMJ disorder that usually doesn't give me any problems. About 2-3 weeks ago it really flared up. There isn't really any pain unless I eat something hard or chewy. I've been clenching my teeth and I'm sure that's what's currently causing my problem but I‘m trying hard to stop doing that. The big problem is my ear. It feels full or plugged and like there's fluid in it, it's also ringing. I don't mind pain at all but I absolutely can not stand this plugged feeling. I suspect my Eustachian tube isn't opening up and that there is fluid trapped in my ear. When I swallow I can feel/hear the little popping noises from the Eustachian tube in the right ear but not in the left which is the one that's plugged. Is there anyway I can unplug my ear myself? I've tried medicine like decongestants (Sudafed), allergy medication, Tylenol but they don't help much. I've tried popping my ear by pinching my nose shut, inhaling through my mouth then shutting it and trying to blow the air out but that doesn't work. I've tried hot cloths, ice, using a warm mist humidifier, a hot steamy shower, hot liquids, eating soft foods, and sleeping in an upright position but none of that works. I don't have insurance so I'm not going to the doctor unless I really have to. I wouldn't even know what kind of doctor to go to (dentist or otolaryngologist). It's really annoying and I would much rather be in searing pain. Any suggestions (other than to kill myself)?
One last thing, I don't know how earwax is created but 3 weeks ago I went to the otolaryngologist and he said there was very little wax in my ears that wasn't worth cleaning out. Is it possible that enough wax was created within 3 weeks and my ear is just plugged with wax? I've had to have the same ear cleaned three times within three years so waxy ears is defintely a problem for me.
Any ear symptom from TMJ is referred, meaning you feel something in the ear but the ear is normal. Don't use a Q tip in your ear, EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will stay out of trouble. You think you have more ear wax because you are in some fashion instrumenting your ear.
Mike said:
I have a TMJ disorder that usually doesn't give me any problems. About 2-3 weeks ago it really flared up. There isn't really any pain unless I eat something hard or chewy. I've been clenching my teeth and I'm sure that's what's currently causing my problem but I‘m trying hard to stop doing that. The big problem is my ear. It feels full or plugged and like there's fluid in it, it's also ringing. I don't mind pain at all but I absolutely can not stand this plugged feeling. I suspect my Eustachian tube isn't opening up and that there is fluid trapped in my ear. When I swallow I can feel/hear the little popping noises from the Eustachian tube in the right ear but not in the left which is the one that's plugged. Is there anyway I can unplug my ear myself? I've tried medicine like decongestants (Sudafed), allergy medication, Tylenol but they don't help much. I've tried popping my ear by pinching my nose shut, inhaling through my mouth then shutting it and trying to blow the air out but that doesn't work. I've tried hot cloths, ice, using a warm mist humidifier, a hot steamy shower, hot liquids, eating soft foods, and sleeping in an upright position but none of that works. I don't have insurance so I'm not going to the doctor unless I really have to. I wouldn't even know what kind of doctor to go to (dentist or otolaryngologist). It's really annoying and I would much rather be in searing pain. Any suggestions (other than to kill myself)?
One last thing, I don't know how earwax is created but 3 weeks ago I went to the otolaryngologist and he said there was very little wax in my ears that wasn't worth cleaning out. Is it possible that enough wax was created within 3 weeks and my ear is just plugged with wax? I've had to have the same ear cleaned three times within three years so waxy ears is defintely a problem for me.
