1. < Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)

Chronic Voice Loss and Ear Blockage — Possible Causes? Pls Help!

Posted by milli180 @milli180, Oct 13 4:57pm

Hi everyone,
I’ve been struggling with several health issues for the past 3 years, and I’m hoping someone here might have insights or similar experiences.

It all started after a major abdominal surgery to remove ovarian abscesses (caused by untreated chlamydia and a copper IUD). Following the surgery, I was on heavy antibiotics. A couple of months later, I developed laryngitis, lost my voice for about a year, and even now, my voice remains very weak or absent, especially when I'm sick. Along with this, I’ve noticed a buildup of mucus in my throat, which worsens overnight. I often wake up with blocked nasal passages and have to clear my throat from thick, yellow-brown mucus. Spicy food sometimes helps clear the mucus and improves my voice temporarily.

About a year ago, my ears became blocked and have remained that way, making me extremely sensitive to sounds. Occasionally, the pressure in my ears seems to release briefly, and during those moments, my sound sensitivity improves. (Two weeks before my ear issues began, I was fitted with a bite guard for jaw clenching, and I wonder if this might be connected to my ear blockage, although I'm not sure.)

I’ve undergone numerous tests (brain MRI, sinus MRI, CT scans, ENT exams, laryngoscopy, gastroscopy, allergy tests, etc.), but none have provided any answers. I’ve also completed speech therapy and psychotherapy (over 2 years), all with no lasting improvement.

A few years ago, I had voice issues after taking antibiotics (throat pain, shortness of breath, and voice strain during presentations and singing), but this recent episode is much more severe (I also had to take a lot more antibiotics).

I currently take Medireflux for potential acid reflux and supplements to support my overall health, but nothing seems to address the core issues.

If anyone has had similar experiences or can point me toward potential causes (maybe related to antibiotics, chlamydia, or something else), I would greatly appreciate your input.

Thank you all very much!
Milli

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windyshores | @windyshores | Oct 13 8:02pm

@milli180 are you sure your ears are blocked? I had the sensation of blocked ears w/pain that turned out to be trigeminal/occipital neuralgia. In other words a neurological issue, not an ear issue. Yours could be different but wanted to mention it. I have intense sensitivity to sound as well with my issues and sound can set off pain.

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2 replies
helphelps | @helphelps | Oct 13 11:18pm

Sounds like you've come to the right place. Diagnostics is a gift.

What is your age range and lifestyle? Do you live alone?
Are you ambulatory? I am going to re-read your post.

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1 reply
helphelps | @helphelps | Oct 13 11:22pm
In reply to @windyshores "@milli180 are you sure your ears are blocked? I had the sensation of blocked ears w/pain..." + (show)
@windyshores

@milli180 are you sure your ears are blocked? I had the sensation of blocked ears w/pain that turned out to be trigeminal/occipital neuralgia. In other words a neurological issue, not an ear issue. Yours could be different but wanted to mention it. I have intense sensitivity to sound as well with my issues and sound can set off pain.

Jump to this post

healing vibes - inhale & exhale
replace every negative thought with a positive one, and you will feel better - I am sorry you are experiencing this - I would try something unconventional such a Reiki, acupuncture, nutrition, nature and sunlight.

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milli180 | @milli180 | Oct 14 8:17pm
In reply to @windyshores "@milli180 are you sure your ears are blocked? I had the sensation of blocked ears w/pain..." + (show)
@windyshores

@milli180 are you sure your ears are blocked? I had the sensation of blocked ears w/pain that turned out to be trigeminal/occipital neuralgia. In other words a neurological issue, not an ear issue. Yours could be different but wanted to mention it. I have intense sensitivity to sound as well with my issues and sound can set off pain.

Jump to this post

oh wow, actually I have no idea if my ears are blocked or if it just feels like it. How did your issues got diagnosed?
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and experiences!

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milli180 | @milli180 | Oct 14 8:30pm
In reply to @helphelps "Sounds like you've come to the right place. Diagnostics is a gift. What is your age..." + (show)
@helphelps

Sounds like you've come to the right place. Diagnostics is a gift.

What is your age range and lifestyle? Do you live alone?
Are you ambulatory? I am going to re-read your post.

Jump to this post

Hi there!
I am a female and 22 years old. I've been studying for the last 4 years and do currently live by my mom, because my plan was to move to Canada as soon as it's possible with my health issues, therefore it would not be worth moving out at this time. And yes I am ambulatory!
Would be glad to hear from you if you have any ideas!

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shashig | @shashig | Oct 18 2:18pm

Hi Milli...So sorry for your chronic unresolved issues...my own experience has taught me not to badmouth docs but to realize that often...they just don't know. They're still learning in the ever-evolving field of medicine. My story: In 2010, I had one ovary removed due to a benign cyst. Thereafter, I developed a whole lot of new symptoms -- gastro distress, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, sinusitis. It took 2.5 years to have Clostridium difficule diagnosed. C. diff is an infection you can pick up in a hospital-like setting OR after rounds of antibiotics. It messes with your microbiome/gut flora, killing off good bacteria so the bad guys take over. I took Flagyl and my troublesome but not severe situation resolved. But my gut has never been the same. I have worsening chronic sinusitis. Six ENTs and two sinus surgeries later, still no definite causes. I researched online even more and discovered that scientists globally are considering the role of the microbiome in all kinds of illnesses. After all, the body is one interconnected system, not separate departments (lung, sinuses, gut, brain, etc.). Makes sense, right? So I'm experimenting (safely, of course) by taking a new probiotic with a lot of strains and also Gaviscon Advance (NOT regular Gaviscon; available from Europe via Amazon) in case acid reflux is involved. I've also signed up for some acupuncture sessions. My point: Be your own health advocate. Try different things, so long as they're safe. Research online. And keep the faith. We WILL get better!! Here's the interesting study I found. It may apply to you, too, since your problem involves excess mucus being produced. Good luck! file:///C:/Users/Shashi/Desktop/Health/Gut%20dysbiosis%20&%20sinusitis%20study.pdf

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1 reply
milli180 | @milli180 | Oct 21 9:24pm
In reply to @shashig "Hi Milli...So sorry for your chronic unresolved issues...my own experience has taught me not to badmouth..." + (show)
@shashig

Hi Milli...So sorry for your chronic unresolved issues...my own experience has taught me not to badmouth docs but to realize that often...they just don't know. They're still learning in the ever-evolving field of medicine. My story: In 2010, I had one ovary removed due to a benign cyst. Thereafter, I developed a whole lot of new symptoms -- gastro distress, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, sinusitis. It took 2.5 years to have Clostridium difficule diagnosed. C. diff is an infection you can pick up in a hospital-like setting OR after rounds of antibiotics. It messes with your microbiome/gut flora, killing off good bacteria so the bad guys take over. I took Flagyl and my troublesome but not severe situation resolved. But my gut has never been the same. I have worsening chronic sinusitis. Six ENTs and two sinus surgeries later, still no definite causes. I researched online even more and discovered that scientists globally are considering the role of the microbiome in all kinds of illnesses. After all, the body is one interconnected system, not separate departments (lung, sinuses, gut, brain, etc.). Makes sense, right? So I'm experimenting (safely, of course) by taking a new probiotic with a lot of strains and also Gaviscon Advance (NOT regular Gaviscon; available from Europe via Amazon) in case acid reflux is involved. I've also signed up for some acupuncture sessions. My point: Be your own health advocate. Try different things, so long as they're safe. Research online. And keep the faith. We WILL get better!! Here's the interesting study I found. It may apply to you, too, since your problem involves excess mucus being produced. Good luck! file:///C:/Users/Shashi/Desktop/Health/Gut%20dysbiosis%20&%20sinusitis%20study.pdf

Jump to this post

Dear shashig,
thank you so much for sharing your story! Throughout the last 3 years I definitely learned, that the doctors don't know everything and that you have to do your own research. According to some ENTs I also developed chronic sinusitis, although the CT scan showed no pathology. But what helped me so maybe could also help you is a daily nasal douche (I hope that’s the right term). Unfortunately after a period of time my nose gets really irritated and my ears get irritated to so I have to pause for a while in between. I definitely struggle with gut and microbiome issues too. But I guess after taking such huge amounts of antibiotics, that’s normal... I also tried accupuncture, but unfortunately that didn't had much of an impact. Hope you will get better results! I will definitely take a look at that study, thanks for recommending it! So have you found a solution in the mean time?
Thank you very much for your kind and uplifting words 🙏

REPLY
1 reply
shashig | @shashig | Oct 21 9:41pm
In reply to @milli180 "Dear shashig, thank you so much for sharing your story! Throughout the last 3 years I..." + (show)
@milli180

Dear shashig,
thank you so much for sharing your story! Throughout the last 3 years I definitely learned, that the doctors don't know everything and that you have to do your own research. According to some ENTs I also developed chronic sinusitis, although the CT scan showed no pathology. But what helped me so maybe could also help you is a daily nasal douche (I hope that’s the right term). Unfortunately after a period of time my nose gets really irritated and my ears get irritated to so I have to pause for a while in between. I definitely struggle with gut and microbiome issues too. But I guess after taking such huge amounts of antibiotics, that’s normal... I also tried accupuncture, but unfortunately that didn't had much of an impact. Hope you will get better results! I will definitely take a look at that study, thanks for recommending it! So have you found a solution in the mean time?
Thank you very much for your kind and uplifting words 🙏

Jump to this post

Hi there milli80...I think especially if you've taken so many antibiotics, it's smart to place some focus on the gut microbiome. Get a really well-reviewed probiotic with billions of whatever it is...not just the most popular brand. Also, I'd give the Gaviscon Advance a try...it works by creating kind of a natural "raft" over your stomach contents so they don't flow upward into your esophagus during the night...it's very safe. Expensive but worth the experiment, at least to me. LMK how it goes...we're gonna figure this s**t out!!! : ))))
https://www.amazon.com/Gaviscon-Advance-Peppermint-Plastic-Measuring/dp/B097DLSFT6/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fmH2T3Rn0mb073KtZLAkoh8de4Vy00VD-lcXRPwZGdKrTrip4dM-sW2XtfdKgKvHpL0U5W8WUtL28CcOwUf2qHyK57JvAD25_F5veyingqmt-_IgFm4Hq0vTfpv5gJkOSgQcYKVzXEJxC2U-VKKdWrJJtPw3T5S6wOzkVYyR2hvcMQEr8lWjkbRP_bTH2AV41BP5Vcm7uIzVV5NVhj5wt2T2WyPTuCPJfk1wSWJEw71fvkwI0kyUxjpCNUKpfTgYndYwqJbrHSsRXqYrlsUrAW1aSVwZrC5n8nSJuLqjlI0.gLhWNppvGhsxmyW_xZTRAA3LgrPo7nIHE7O-4oE9jGk&dib_tag=se&keywords=advanced+gaviscon&qid=1729564521&sr=8-1

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1 reply
milli180 | @milli180 | Oct 23 8:28pm
In reply to @shashig "Hi there milli80...I think especially if you've taken so many antibiotics, it's smart to place some..." + (show)
@shashig

Hi there milli80...I think especially if you've taken so many antibiotics, it's smart to place some focus on the gut microbiome. Get a really well-reviewed probiotic with billions of whatever it is...not just the most popular brand. Also, I'd give the Gaviscon Advance a try...it works by creating kind of a natural "raft" over your stomach contents so they don't flow upward into your esophagus during the night...it's very safe. Expensive but worth the experiment, at least to me. LMK how it goes...we're gonna figure this s**t out!!! : ))))
https://www.amazon.com/Gaviscon-Advance-Peppermint-Plastic-Measuring/dp/B097DLSFT6/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fmH2T3Rn0mb073KtZLAkoh8de4Vy00VD-lcXRPwZGdKrTrip4dM-sW2XtfdKgKvHpL0U5W8WUtL28CcOwUf2qHyK57JvAD25_F5veyingqmt-_IgFm4Hq0vTfpv5gJkOSgQcYKVzXEJxC2U-VKKdWrJJtPw3T5S6wOzkVYyR2hvcMQEr8lWjkbRP_bTH2AV41BP5Vcm7uIzVV5NVhj5wt2T2WyPTuCPJfk1wSWJEw71fvkwI0kyUxjpCNUKpfTgYndYwqJbrHSsRXqYrlsUrAW1aSVwZrC5n8nSJuLqjlI0.gLhWNppvGhsxmyW_xZTRAA3LgrPo7nIHE7O-4oE9jGk&dib_tag=se&keywords=advanced+gaviscon&qid=1729564521&sr=8-1

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Do you have any recommendations regarding a well-reviewed probiotic? I tried out Omnibiotic and Sindrocol so far. I will look into the Gaviscon Advance you mentioned! Thank you for sharing the link. I will keep you updated! And let me know if you find a miracle cure ;)) Good luck to both of us!

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1 reply
shashig | @shashig | Oct 23 9:43pm
In reply to @milli180 "Do you have any recommendations regarding a well-reviewed probiotic? I tried out Omnibiotic and Sindrocol so..." + (show)
@milli180

Do you have any recommendations regarding a well-reviewed probiotic? I tried out Omnibiotic and Sindrocol so far. I will look into the Gaviscon Advance you mentioned! Thank you for sharing the link. I will keep you updated! And let me know if you find a miracle cure ;)) Good luck to both of us!

Jump to this post

Hi Milli...FYI, I just ordered and started Dmeisy 300 billion organic...maybe I'm an idiot to believe the 77% 5-star reviews, but I'm giving it a shot. I also take Jarrow Saccharomyces Boulardi because I once had C. Diff, but I don't think that one's essential. Let's keep each other updated on (hopefully) great results!
https://www.amazon.com/Probiotics-Prebiotics-Probiotic-Supplement-Whole-Body/dp/B0BPMHZV9J/ref=sr_1_4?crid=H608IFT8YTLM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aqlfYan8bt7zUXFk95Hkqeeaj6AaEtkHAQwtNAcsu3-b-S8ODF0akt8PDaVTQkSoK2JCM_fMMrq2Rz6-W6_o9m8X444N9eqfiPWrLaRZaUe8WbsDl7wO_pQ29tbwhV8nYYNQA6PPXju5TQ0vSympRSIKP8Aj30R0qnWA0kuy0VCB2S7LK5fFMyS7AArEImqMWH0CerkgDX8r6DipXMoSoV9Tm0a5ivXuFdFwTWSgH1g.xhO5Z2ixfph5qX2OYsplIzWOOOls71TMJWCizMzuV1w&dib_tag=se&keywords=Dmeisy+organic+probiotic&qid=1729737494&s=hpc&sprefix=dmeisy+organic+probiotic%2Chpc%2C87&sr=1-4

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