AN ear 'plugs' with extreme exercise ?

[Adrienne]

I'm very fortunate, and kept some hearing in my AN ear.  I did however, get 24/7 ringing.  Other than that, the ear doesn't feel plugged any more or packed like it did for weeks after surgery.

I've noticed that when I push myself hard doing something physical (long run today, going at a good clip), the AN ear plugs up and feels like it needs to be popped.  In the past when it's done this, it's resolved itself once my heart rate gets back down normal (or about an hour after).  Today however, I could not clear it.  It stayed this way (you know the feeling when you talk and it almost echos back in your head.  You plug your nose and blow but it doesn't clear....) today for the majority of the day (at least 8 hours after finishing). I initially thought it had something to do with blood pressure and constricting blood vessels, but that only seems to make sense if it went away when I cooled down and rested.  Today had me scratching my head altogether (and wondering if it would be the new 'normal').

Can anyone explain this phenomenon?  I don't go for my post surgery hearing test for another 2 weeks (surgery was exactly 2 months ago today).

Thanks!
Adrienne

[Jim Scott]

Adrienne ~

I'm not a doctor and won't pretend to be offering a credible medical explanation for your exercise-induced aural fullness but it might have some connection to the Eustachian tube or even some residual post-op swelling.  It could be an inner ear problem, disconnected from the acoustic neuroma or your surgery.   Frankly, I'm just guessing.   I think this is a question better answered a medical doctor. 

Jim

[Adrienne]

Well Jim......you started your post with "I'm not a doctor....", but I suspect you've learned enough about this particular thing that you may be getting close! LOL.

You nailed it with the Eustachian tube.  The ENT surgeon I saw today said that the Eustachian tube remains closed until we talk, etc.  The feeling that I'm getting is that the tube is remaining open for a period of time after extreme exercise.  Thankfully (?) he gets the same thing and knew exactly the feeling I was talking about.  He described it to a 'T'! (nothing to do with an AN for him). 

Nothing I can do about it, but also nothing to worry about.  May or may not go away in time.

Thanks for thinking it through!

Adrienne