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Ongoing Eustachian Tube Dysfunction – Need Advice
Hi everyone,
I’ve been dealing with a frustrating ear issue since mid-February and I’d really appreciate any input or shared experiences.
It started with a blocked ear due to cerumen buildup (not unusual for me). After using ear drops, I had a full ear irrigation done privately. Right after the procedure, I felt a strange pressure in my left ear, like something shifted inside. It resolved after two days.
For about three weeks after that, everything seemed fine. But then, around March 9–10, a mild pressure sensation started building up in my left ear. It worsened when I tried to exercise. I went to an ENT who diagnosed me with chronic sinus inflammation and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD), and prescribed medication.
Over the next few weeks, symptoms varied – pressure sometimes in the left ear, sometimes the right. My nose was always congested on one side. Audiogram was normal, tympanogram showed mild dysfunction. ENT also mentioned I might consult a neurologist, but didn’t push for it.
Changing altitude (even 100 meters) made the pressure spike badly, so the tubes were clearly sensitive. I also did an allergy test which showed mild sensitivity to dust mites. A pulmonologist suspected water retention in the ear canal caused the initial post-irrigation pressure. She prescribed Rinasek, which improved things a lot — pressure was much less while on it.
Now that I’ve stopped the medication (10-day course), the pressure has partially returned, though maybe less intense than before.
The main issue is still the ear pressure, occasional popping/clicking, nasal congestion, and sensitivity to altitude changes. It’s affecting my daily life and I'm not sure what the long-term outlook is. I’m concerned whether this will ever go away completely, and what I can do long-term to prevent it from becoming chronic.
Has anyone dealt with something similar? Did it fully resolve for you? Would really appreciate any advice, tips, or shared recovery stories.
Thank you.
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@theleons3
Your post came over fine. Go to the ENT (ear,nose and throat) support group on this forum and you will see discussions on this topic.
FL Mary
@theleons3 I can see this
I am currently dealing with this.. going on month 4! Pressure in 1 ear(right).. if I take something like Mucinex.. it goes away for a while.. but it will come back again. Mine started after improperly using a Neil med nasal rinse in early July if this year...
How are you doing??? Did it go away?
I'm seeing a functional medicine Dr right now to try and decrease any inflammation that I have in my sinuses and eustachian tubes...
I already had 2 rounds of antibiotics and 2 round of Prednisone.. with no luck.. now I'm working on healing my whole body instead of one area...
It'll take a while I know.. and I pray it works... I really hate taking medications/prescription meds...
@theleons3 I have had eustachian tube and sinus inflammation for two years. Specialist doctors just give me steroid nasal sprays but I can't use them with glaucoma. Allergist said I have seasonal allergies but I have this year round. I have now gone to a naturopath and started treatment for mold. Just waiting to get some test results back.
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1 Reaction@margvo omg Margvo! I started seeing a functional medicine Dr 2 weeks ago.. she put me on supplements and also an anti inflammatory diet... For 3 days in a row now I don't have any weird cracking, post nasal drip or ear fullness/pressure!! I think it may be working!!! Best of luck to you! I think natural Drs know more... And get to the root cause not just the symptoms
@nekoizmase
Check out Azelastine and Flonase yu may not need Flonase. Been pestered for years with this symptom. I take 2 sprays each nostril 2 times day. Good luck.
@margvo please keep me posted because I have had allergy shots for most of my life. The mold and humidity are my worst. Currently started acupuncture. 🤞🙏🏻
@delweb98
@margvo Will do.
I've had major hearing loss all my life...I wear Phonak aides. For the past year im feeling uncomfortable pressure in my ears and struggling worse for clarity.
Ent sees fluid and lots of ear drums scarring...he put me Azelastine and flonase...to start. He said maybe only surgery would help, and thats temporary. Im not going to do any of that. Meds are not helping either.
Today I go for a hearing test, which i dread! Tomorrow I follow up with dr.
I dont usually get this bad unless im sick...but this started a year ago and has not let up.
Muffled hearing and my voice is raspy.
Anyone have this...find some relief?