CONSTANT FULLNESS AND PRESSURE IN BOTH EARS

Posted by dazlin @dazlin, Oct 24 6:18am

I have significant hearing loss and I wear Phonak aides.
I sometimes experience fluid in both ears, not wax.
For several months now I'm so uncomfortable with pressure and a muffled hearing which is causing worse hearing loss, even with the aides. I went back to my audiologist for an adjustment but it's not helping. Speech clarity has become worse and sounds are more tinny. No fluid is detected when they look in.
My dr has prescribed medications and nasal spray...absolutely nothing is helping. I've tried many many others throughout the years when this has happened. This time, I'm getting very concerned because I can't afford to lose further hearing...im down to 83 % loss in clarity. The aides were helping somewhat, but since I feel stuffed, I'm having a harder time.
I think I'll have to see an ENT, and also I've been experiencing overwhelming fatigue, which I often have experienced without the ear problems, over the years. No infections, no wax build up.
I wonder if it's related to a type of chronic fatigue?
Only thing Mayo had detected is MGUS, very slight.
I also wonder if the aides caused the problem??
I will run this by my Dr at Mayo before my next blood test.
Any thoughts, please reach out to me...thank you. Linda

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@dloos ...yes, I had this happen with another ENT awhile back and I gave in ,took the hearing test again.
Of I course I failed miserably, so he wanted to sell me hearing aides...no treatment for eustachian disorder, or fluids.
The hearing test clearly only shows results of loss...it doesn't show causes of problems or fluid. This is why I refused to repeat it.
Even my audiologist said its likely inner ear fluid and no test gives light on that. I just wish we could have at least consulted, maybe try a med of some sort...although in all honesty I've had so much meds with no help. Years back even prednisone...no help. Praying it passes like a simple head cold...I really can't deal with another dr right now. Thanks for your feedback . Take care.

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@dazlin

@dloos , I just received a call from ENT...they won't see me unless I take another hearing test. I told them I just had one a few months ago and I have copies of results for them. She said dr won't treat me unless I do another test, not even see/consult with me. So I declined and canceled.
I just pray this passes.
I'll have a follow-up at mayo for another condition...so ill mention it to my Dr there...although has nothing to do with ENT.
I'm sad 😔

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That’s so discouraging. I’m so sorry! Have you sought out a Neurotologist in the Otolaryngology department instead of just an ENT? They are more specialized with conditions of this nature. As far as your hearing, you can download an app called Mimi and do you own hearing test. Just need a pair of earbuds or headphones that plug into your device. It’s not as good as an audiogram from an Audiologist, but you would at least be able to see if your hearing is fluctuating. Also, has your Audiologist done any Real Ear Measurements (REM) with your hearing aids? I just got my first hearing aid and REM should be standard practice, but it’s not. Look up Dr Cliff on YouTube. He’s an audiologist and has some good advice on REM and hearing aids. Good luck and prayers you feel better soon!

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@tmragain ...I believe my aides are programmed to the best available testing...I think they did REM too. All on computer and a little wire in the ears. They are Phonak and done at Mayo clinic. As far looking for another ENT or related dr, I'll wait for my appts with my primary, and I also have an appointment with my Dr at mayo clinic( not hearing related) but i let them know everything going on....both coming up end of Nov and early Dec.

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@dazlin

@tmragain ...I believe my aides are programmed to the best available testing...I think they did REM too. All on computer and a little wire in the ears. They are Phonak and done at Mayo clinic. As far looking for another ENT or related dr, I'll wait for my appts with my primary, and I also have an appointment with my Dr at mayo clinic( not hearing related) but i let them know everything going on....both coming up end of Nov and early Dec.

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Phonak seems to be the brand of choice for many and of good quality. Yep, the little microphone in the ear is the REM. Sounds like you have a good plan! Good luck with your upcoming appointments!

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@dazlin

@dloos ...yes, I had this happen with another ENT awhile back and I gave in ,took the hearing test again.
Of I course I failed miserably, so he wanted to sell me hearing aides...no treatment for eustachian disorder, or fluids.
The hearing test clearly only shows results of loss...it doesn't show causes of problems or fluid. This is why I refused to repeat it.
Even my audiologist said its likely inner ear fluid and no test gives light on that. I just wish we could have at least consulted, maybe try a med of some sort...although in all honesty I've had so much meds with no help. Years back even prednisone...no help. Praying it passes like a simple head cold...I really can't deal with another dr right now. Thanks for your feedback . Take care.

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I forgot to mention that I took a diuretic, TRIAMTER-HCTZ 37.5-25MG, after my last ear surgery to help with the fluid levels in my ear. It did help along with limiting the other things I mentioned before. Just a thought.

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