Clogged ear symptoms post surgery

So this is a weird bariatric side effect that I've never seen discussed:

Since about June (4 months after my surgery) I noticed my left ear clogs up and I have an abnormally loud sound/sensation of my breathing and talking in that ear. I feel like it needs to "pop", but it doesn't. It's worst when I'm talking a lot like in a social situation and is highly annoying - it makes me want to stop talking to avoid hearing myself in my head so loudly. Others tell me I start to talk more quietly when it's happening. I guess I'm trying to quiet my voice in my own ears. I have no sinus issues or respiratory illnesses.

I've been Googling around to figure out what it is (it hasn't felt like something to see the doctor about yet) and I found a description that fits perfectly: Patulous Eustachian Tube. I know, I know diagnosing myself is a bad idea but...

The interesting part is I found a paper online that draws a connection between bariatric surgery and this phenomenon. In their small study of 19 bariatric patients, 9 had developed the symptoms by 6 months post surgery, and none had it before surgery. They suggest it's caused by the loss of fat around the Eustachian tube called Ostmann's Fat. Here's the summary from the International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296987/

Anyway, I have no idea if there is a fix or if a fix is necessary or if it will ever improve on its own, but I plan to mention it to my surgeon next time I visit. I thought if 9 of 19 of their study participants developed it, I'd mention it here in case I'm not the only who feels like they're occasionally listening to everything underwater post surgery!

I've dealt with hearing problems since I was a little boy. Measles ruined the hearing in my left ear back in 1964. Rock concerts, chainsaws, and guns did for a lot more. But I never heard of this. Haha, heard. I don't hear of a lot of things. I hope it is something that can be resolved for you.

Very strange! It sounds like it might be worthwhile to schedule an appointment with your local ENT!

Yes check with your surgeon, then your GP. You can also get something called pulsitile tinnitus which is hearing your heartbeat in your ear., but your description sounds more in tune with what the literature suggests. You may not be aware of nasal congestion, but sometimes a non-addictive nasal spray can correct things with the euststion tubes. These conditions aren't harmful, but damned annoying.

pauline

Oh my god! This is me!

Seriously, since just after surgery, my ears get clogged and no amount of popping or swallowing or jaw-wiggling or anti-histamines or decongestants do anything to fix it. It's been so frustrating and crazy-making for the past (almost) three years.

Thank you! I will be seeing my surgeon about some reflux issues in the near future and I will be certain to bring this up to him, not that there appears to be anything which can be done to fix it. It's comforting to know I'm not the only one.

Oh thank God I'm not crazy and alone in this!

Getting checked out by your surgeon is definitely a good idea. You may want to check with an ear/nose/throat doctor as well.

That article is really interesting. I'm worried about the small sample size, as well as the fact that all patients saw the same surgeon; I'd be leery of drawing any big conclusions until more data came in.

Yes! This is me! I thought this was some weird side effect of surgery that I couldn't seem to get over. For me, it was a daily occurrence until about 2 months ago and now it's only happening about once per week.

I'd be thrilled if it went away on its own soon! Mine is mostly when I'm talking a lot, so it's kind of a blessing to be single and live alone...

Never heard of such a thing. Hope it gets better soon!