How long after surgery/SSD until the ear FEELS normal? Does it ever?

[ColoradoGal]

I think I could live with SSD if my ear didn't feel like it is packed with cotton.  Does that ever go away? I had no hearing loss before my surgery 8 weeks ago.

[Kaybo]

I don't know whether to tell you it does or if you just get used to it, but I don't even think about it!!   

K

[mimoore]

I had perfect hearing prior to my surgery and am now SSD. I understand what you mean by "packed with cotton". Yes it did get better for me - over time, be patient. The whole left side of my head felt tight and numb and that has gotten tons better. Massage/heat and nice warm baths certainly help. My tinnitus is horrible and it it worse when I am tired or dehydrated. Hope that helps...patience.. you will soon hate that word.
Michelle 

[Brendalu]

I also had perfect hearing until my surgery three years ago.  My ear still has that "full" sensation, the ENT doesn't understand why.  I also have no feeling in the exterior part of that ear or for that matter that side of my face!  Everyone is different though, and you may loss the sensation.

Brenda

[leapyrtwins]

Fullness in my AN ear was one of the two symptoms I had prior to my surgery - the other was diminished hearing.

I'm about 16 months post op and some days I still have the ear fullness.  Other days, I either don't have it - or as K said, I just don't notice it because I'm so used to it that it doesn't annoy me anymore.

Jan

[Cynaburst]

I am 7 years past AN surgery and I still have that full feeling.  It is not constant, but it is pretty much every day.

[Catflower]

Not only does my AN ear feel full so does my "normal" ear and I've had this feeling since my surgery a year and a half ago.  My "good" ear has been checked and rechecked several times with no explanation of why I have this feeling.  Some days it's worse than others.  I'm praying that some day it will go away.

Linda

[leapyrtwins]

You know, on occasion, my "good" ear feels full also 

Maybe it's all just in my head (no pun intended).

Jan

[calimama]

I had reduced hearing prior to surgery (-30%) and now am SSD. I did not have the "full" feeling before or immediately after surgery, but did i think a few months after. It only lasted for a few weeks (it was unpleasant for sure). Now no fullness, but of course, no hearing either. I dont find the SSD is too big of a deal when in quieter places (home, work, outside), but the whole thing is pretty crappy in restaurants and other places with lots of background noise. I think that part will always be an issue... I can't imagine going to a night club and listening to jazz without my head exploding. But having a little one kind of kills the night life anyway. And "been there done that".

One day at a time...