Comment from: nattyg, 25-34 Female (Patient)Published: October 06
I am only assuming that I have eustachian tube dysfunction. I have fullness in my right ear daily, and the "popping" sensation at times. My balance has been affected greatly by this. I started taking generic sleep aids to help me sleep at night, and was pleased to find that their main component is the diphenhydramine used to treat allergy symptoms. This helps a lot. I read somewhere to blow a balloon to remove blockage, and my physician prescribed a nasal spray that I'm reluctant to take because I didn't think I had allergies. I will be seeing my third ENT soon, and I am going to mention the tubes used to open blocked ear cavities. I want to encourage anyone who reads this to keep a record of your symptoms and show it to an ENT so that he/she can closely evaluate you and find the best treatment for you. Having ENT problems makes other people think you're a hypochondriac (forgive my spelling, you all know what I mean) because they can't see the pain you're in or the frustration you experience.
Comment from: 35-44 Female (Patient)Published: September 17
I have to say anyone experiencing popping, pressure, annoying clicking all day long go for the tubes. I have had great success w/ ear tubes due to these annoying symptoms. My only problem is getting them to stay. First time had them done in ENT office, one came out 6 months later so the doctor decided to try a longer lasting tube in "OR" could last 3-5 yrs, just found out yesterday left ear tube is starting to come out and my miserable symptoms are all back. I am 37 and I hate the fact that I will probably be dealing with this the rest of my life. I had 100% relief after tubes; I just wish they would stay.
Comment from: kates, 19-24 Female (Patient)Published: September 09
Two years ago I got a sinus infection, the only one I've ever had. I took antibiotics and it cleared up, but my ET (eustachian tubes) have been really annoying since then. Even the slightest change of altitude while driving usually causes my ears to clog, and click, and then I have to yawn like crazy, swallow, and blow my nose to relieve the pressure. I didn't know until a few months ago there was such a syndrome as "ET dysfunction" but now that I've happily diagnosed myself, I still get especially bad ears during a cold or right before I get sick. It lasts for months after the cold is gone. As far as advice goes- I've gotten really good at yawning -tilting my head back, specifically concentrating on tightening the muscles at the back of the throat. This works for me until I find something more lasting.
Comment from: mia, 25-34 Female (Patient)Published: September 09
I was being treated for an ear infection (swimmers ear), and while on antibiotics, the pain and fever went away, but I began to feel extremely full of pressure in the infected ear. It has been a week now, and nothing seems to give me lasting relief. The ear will not "pop" when forced, decongestants help briefly, but the feeling of pressure and fullness does not seem to leave for long. Thinking it was wax or some sort of build up, I have begun to irrigate the ear with a mix of peroxide and water- which helps for a little while as well, but the feelings always return.
Comment from: dew, 45-54 Female (Patient)Published: September 09
One of my brothers and I have been plagued by ear infections since childhood. We have very similar facial features and jaws. I think the bone structures have been the cause of the eustachian tube dysfunctions in both of us. My tinnitus has recently become more constant, especially in the quiet times. Sleeping has become a challenge. My brother has had eustachian tube manipulation done by a chiropractor. It helps to open the tube and it has given him some relief. I have not yet tried this but may have to soon. With the slightest cold or allergic reaction I get fluid in the ear(s) and the tinnitus starts.
Comment from: John D, 55-64 Male (Patient)Published: September 25
I am 64 years old and my left eustachian tube has been blocked for the past 20 years. Over that time I have had several grommets fitted, the last one staying in for almost 12 months. They have provided relief but within one to two weeks of 'falling out', the problem returns. The eustachian tube fills with fluid and then gradually becomes painful. Antibiotics do not seem to have any effect. My Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist says it is permanently blocked by scar tissue and nothing can be done surgically to fix it.
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Suggested Reading on Eustachian Tube Problems (Problems Clearing Your Ears) by Our Doctors
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I am only assuming that I have eustachian tube dysfunction. I have fullness in my right ear daily, and the "popping" sensation at times. My balance has been affected greatly by this. I started taking generic sleep aids to help me sleep at night, and was pleased to find that their main component is the diphenhydramine used to treat allergy symptoms. This helps a lot. I read somewhere to blow a balloon to remove blockage, and my physician prescribed a nasal spray that I'm reluctant to take because I didn't think I had allergies. I will be seeing my third ENT soon, and I am going to mention the tubes used to open blocked ear cavities. I want to encourage anyone who reads this to keep a record of your symptoms and show it to an ENT so that he/she can closely evaluate you and find the best treatment for you. Having ENT problems makes other people think you're a hypochondriac (forgive my spelling, you all know what I mean) because they can't see the pain you're in or the frustration you experience.
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