- About five (5) days ago, my car battery exploded during the process of being replaced by the service shop.
-Because of the explosion, my right ear popped. It was not painful.
-Since the explosion, I keep yawning and sometimes feel a dull ache.
- I visited an ENT this week where my hearing was tested and my ear checked. My hearing is normal. My ear looks good. The doctor told me that there was nothing physically he could do for me other than to recommend I take Tylenol until it heals/subsides. He said I have acoustic damage. He said it won't be long-term.
-I have been taking Motrin. The feeling is uncomfortable, and while I'm glad it's not long-term, I wish I understood this condition more (condition might not be the right term)
Hi Sofee, Acoustic hearing loss is similar to what happens to your muscles if you lift something thats too heavy for you, they will tear then rebuild, often stronger. A sudden noise that you are not used too will damage in the same sort of way, healing Time is relevant to the Trauma. But by the sound of it (sorry), you should be back to Normal, max, 3-4 weeks but probably more like 2. I hope this helps a little, and that your better soon.
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Your response has brought me comfort. I was feeling very anxious and concerned as I do when there is so much uncertainty.
Do you by any chance know if traveling is appropriate? I am concerned that the pressure during traveling might have an adverse effect, but if it won't then I'll happily hop on a plane. Even if it does, maybe I can wear ear plugs.
You should be fine on a Plane. It's just take off and landing that would cause slight discomfort because of the pressure change. Yawning helps with this, as would sucking a hard candy. Even if they were to pop on the plane, this is not enough on its own to cause damage. The only thing you may want to avoid is using Earphones a lot, Try and opt for Headphones as the in ear buds promote infection and slow your healing Time right down.