I have found some very significant relief through a maneuver like the one described in the article except that I don't blow (in fact I'm very surprised that they suggest it here because I have learned and felt that it is a dangerous technique if overdone) I suck. Pinch your nose and breathe in. It seems to help to close my Eustachian tube. I have a problem with my voice being very loud in my own ears. That affected me so much when I was a kid that it kept me from speaking. As a result, my voice has always been very soft. When I was young, I had ear infections almost every year. Recently I moved to Brazil and have had sinus infections due to the climate. But now, with the things that I have learned about anatomy and the different cavities and tubes and things in my head, I don't have the problems with ear infections like I used to. Through the 'sucking' maneuver, my voice doesn't go straight to my own ear like it used to and the pressure in my ear feels a lot more normal.

Retracted tympanic membrane for almost twenty years with numerous surgeries and medications to no avail for Eustachian tube problem. Constant fullness and never-ending hearing of own heartbeat-excruciating! Have a hard time listening to heart sounds problem for any nurse! Had tympanoplasty, tonsillectomy, tubes, and septoplasty! I can't stand it!

After many weeks of coughing due to drainage in back of throat, I went through a whole array of treatments. Sinus scan, sinus surgery, allergy testing, and finally tubes in ears. They run about 500 dollars each and are very small. They in time, fall out on their own. All this due to allergy to dust mites after removing and replacing carpet. I coughed and slept little for over a year. The tubes did help. Every spring, the fluid builds again and settles in my right ear. I am currently using a nasal spray, and Allegra for allergy control, to no avail. Right ear still has pressure on it. At night, the fluid feels what I call "the lava flow". I'm considering the tube in the ear again. Most of you will agree. How can snot make us so miserable!

I have no useful treatments to suggest; my experience of ENT specialists is that they are a waste of time, energy and money as far as my problems go. I was surprised, however, not to see Sjogren's Syndrome (autoimmune disease which disables moisture-producing glands) listed as a possible cause of Eustachian tube blockage, as I know this is the cause of my problems, though not exactly how it works or how (if) my stuffy nose is related. I am in the unenviable position of knowing that my problems are, and will continue, to get worse, hopelessly. Good luck to all suffering similarly.

I am experiencing severe hearing loss after a long bout of bronchitis plus sinus infections. I was given antibiotic for the chest symptoms which have cleared; I was given Sudafed to help with the swelling in the inner ear canals. Three days have shown no improvement. The usual clicks, hissing in the ears, and feeling like me head is swathed in a blanket. It is tiring; having real difficulty with conversation.

I've had problems with my ears for over a year now. It started out with a lot of pressure in my head and sinuses. I went to the doctor and I was diagnosed with a sinus infection. The medicine did help clear the pressure from my head but my ears began to make a cracking sound constantly. It's like putting your ear next to a bowl of rice crispies cereal. It's driving me crazy. The doctor told me that I have to have tubes put in my ears and that I can't fly or go to the mountains where there is high altitude. It could cause my ear drums to bust. I just wish that it would go away. I don't have insurance and no telling what tubes are going to cost.