What do you to if wake up with muffled hearing?
Here are some tips for what to do if you wake up with muffled hearing:
1. Don't panic. Muffled hearing can be a symptom of various conditions, some of which are serious and some of which are not. It's important to stay calm and assess the situation before taking any action.
2. Check your ears. Look in the mirror to see if there is anything blocking your ear canal, such as earwax or a foreign object. If you see something blocking your ear, try to remove it gently with a cotton swab or by flushing your ear with warm water.
3. Perform the Valsalva maneuver. The Valsalva maneuver is a technique that can help to equalize the pressure between your inner ear and the outside environment. To perform the Valsalva maneuver, pinch your nose and blow gently while keeping your mouth closed. This may help to clear your ears and improve your hearing.
4. Take over-the-counter medication. If your muffled hearing is accompanied by pain or discomfort, you may want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
5. See a doctor. If your muffled hearing does not improve within a few days or if you have other symptoms such as dizziness or tinnitus, you should see a doctor. Your doctor can diagnose the cause of your muffled hearing and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Here are some additional tips for preventing muffled hearing:
* Avoid loud noises. Loud noises can damage the hair cells in your inner ear, which can lead to muffled hearing.
* Wear earplugs when swimming or showering. Water can get trapped in your ear canals and cause muffled hearing.
* Clean your ears regularly. Earwax can build up and block your ear canals, causing muffled hearing.
* Avoid inserting objects into your ears. Inserting objects into your ears can damage your eardrums and cause muffled hearing.