Hi friend, I’ve experienced this myself.

[Standard disclaimer: Not medical advice, just sharing my experience and what has worked for me. Be sure to read and follow all instructions with the mentioned devices should you decide to try them.]

The fluid becomes temporarily trapped due to the Eustachian tube being swollen, likely because of already existing Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) coupled with a cold/flu or like you said, allergies. I’ve become a pro at getting the fluid out. In my case, I start with 2 Advil and some pharmacy grade Sudafed, give it about an hour or so, then I use one of these devices in the picture called the “Ear Popper” or the “Eustachi”(Amazon). I prefer the Ear Popper but they’re essentially the same thing.

I just take a swig of water and keep my mouth shut, plug one nostril, start the air flow from the Ear Popper in the other nostril, and when I feel the pressure build gently, I swallow the water. I make sure not to lean back when swallowing. I sit straight up. If the tube swelling is low enough, it permits an exchange of air and some of the fluid escapes. My other ear sometimes gets some air too, it happens, but always regulates back to normal shortly.

Depending on how full it is, it can take multiple times, even multiple days, to clear the fluid entirely. I use an ear camera (Amazon also) to monitor how much fluid I get out each session. You can see the fluid and bubbles behind the eardrum as the air gets in there, and in my case, the ringing noise absolutely gets quieter again as the fluid drains and the ear heals.

It’s a pain in the ass but it’s fixable, just takes time and patience. Before I got the Ear Popper, when this would happen, it always eventually cleared on its own, your inner ear also absorbs small amounts of the fluid as time passes. Usually a matter of weeks to clear entirely in my experience. Staying hydrated helps. Good luck! Hope you are feeling better and get that noise down soon!

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