I'm really puzzled about this recent issue with my left ear. For the past four days, whenever I sleep, my left ear gets blocked, and I can't seem to hear out of it. I've tried switching from a soft pillow to a harder one, thinking that might be the cause, but it's still happening. In the mornings, I can get it to open by shaking my head for about 20 minutes, but I'm curious why this keeps happening just on the left side. Could you help diagnose what's going on and suggest any solutions?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Chandra P

General Practitioner

MBBS
5+ Yrs

Consult Now

You may be experiencing Eustachian tube dysfunction, which can cause a feeling of blockage in the ear. I recommend using a decongestant nasal spray such as Afrin (oxymetazoline) to help open up the Eustachian tube and relieve the blockage. You can also try taking an oral decongestant like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) to help reduce congestion in the nasal passages. Additionally, using a saline nasal spray can help keep the nasal passages moist and aid in relieving the blockage. If the symptoms persist, it would be best to consult with an ENT specialist for further evaluation and management.

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Answered 11 days ago

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Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.