My hearing _perception_ changes constantly. I think the variables are countless and I'm certain mood has a lot to do with it.
Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) can be a real problem. When severe you feel like your head is in a fish bowl and nothing will relieve it. When moderate it can fluctuate even with changes in barometric pressure with the weather and can be just as annoying.
Allergies are a common cause and even something as simple as Allegra or Zyrtec can help. Flonase nasal spray helps too if used regularly.
Decongestants like pseudoephedrine can work but have other precautions associated with them.
Afrin nasal spray (oxymetazoline) can work well and sometimes even work fast but using it for more than about three days will actually make things worse. A puff or two before flying can help prevent in-flight and post-flight issues.
A hearing test will not measure compliance and mobility of the ear drum and eustachian tube dysfunction can cause abnormal audiometry. A tympanogram does measure the mobility of the ear drum and can be useful in diagnosing ETD. It is a simple test with the proper instrument.
Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) can be a real problem. When severe you feel like your head is in a fish bowl and nothing will relieve it. When moderate it can fluctuate even with changes in barometric pressure with the weather and can be just as annoying.
Allergies are a common cause and even something as simple as Allegra or Zyrtec can help. Flonase nasal spray helps too if used regularly.
Decongestants like pseudoephedrine can work but have other precautions associated with them.
Afrin nasal spray (oxymetazoline) can work well and sometimes even work fast but using it for more than about three days will actually make things worse. A puff or two before flying can help prevent in-flight and post-flight issues.
A hearing test will not measure compliance and mobility of the ear drum and eustachian tube dysfunction can cause abnormal audiometry. A tympanogram does measure the mobility of the ear drum and can be useful in diagnosing ETD. It is a simple test with the proper instrument.