calbears1996

Hi, I'm new to the Board and noticed lots of good information here, but I haven't seen anyone with my situation, and I would appreciate any insight others may have as doctors have been of little help.

Last year I had a really bad cold and flu and my ears got very plugged up. The pressure was so bad that it impacted one of my facial nerves and caused Bells Palsy (half of my face was paralyzed). However, every doctor I went to said that ear pressure could not damage the facial nerves. I finally mostly recovered over this last year, but I still get severe ear pressure building up a couple times a week. I try to release it with drugs (nasal decongenstant) and blowing my nose while holding it, but it doesn't always work. Sometimes these episodes last for a couple hours (before the ear finally pops), and I have felt my facial nerves become frozen during that time. When my ear pops, my nerve and face recover, but it seems to happen more and more often. I am worried that with the prior bells palsy and this nerve problem, that when I actually do get really sick, I will get bells palsy again. My ENT doctor has finally come to believe me that my ear pressure causes temporary facial paralysis, but doesn't have too much advice for me, other than not to get sick. Anyone ever have this problem, or have any suggestions?

Also has anyone ever heard of this device "Ear Pressure Equalizer"
and know whether it might work?

Thanks any input.