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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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I’ve had PETD for 5 yrs - been to 7 ENTs at leading hospitals - no cures, no helps !
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1 Reaction@rosalind308 , I've tried tons of meds ,both prescriptions and otc...even prednisone years back.
Nothing has helped.
rosalind308=-0987654321`I have the same thing and my ENT said that there is a treatment for pressure in the ears and mine feels lint the left ear will open up some times when I yawn big and been to several also, Not they can insert a small slit in your ear drum, and it will drain any fluids in the from the Tubes you are talking sorry can't spell it . Gil
Had my follow up yesterday with Ent. Hearing test about same as last year.. very bad.
They encourage cochlear implants. Not doing that.
Yesterday dr asked if I would talk to another Dr for the balloon surgery...just for opinion. It won't help hearing, but may relieve pressure.
I declined that too. I've done some research.
Anyway, im to stay on Azelastine and Flonase and see dr in 6 months.
Disappointed.
@margvo I have the same as you. I had some allergy testing done and was surprised at all the things that I'm allergic to now. I had a runny nose for a couple years but the last year things really ramped up and my right ear gets plugged now if I am exposed to anything I'm allergic to. I also have ringing in the ears which has really been hard to deal with. I think this is all caused a lot of fatigue for me. I'm trying not to think about it too much but right now all I have is nasal sprays and a neti pot. In a couple days I'll be seen in rheumatology because I wanted to know why the suddenly came on so strong. It's hard to accept.
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2 ReactionsI have had some results back from a nasal swab - this was done by a naturopath who is an expert in treating mold, lyme disease and difficult chronic sicknesses. I don't understand it all but I am "marcons positive" which is "a multiple antibiotic resistant coag neg staph that reside in the deep nasal passage, is common in biotoxin illness, is a marker of low MSH and produce biofilms which form a barrier to immune defenses and anti-infection therapy. Biofilm production in bacteria, mold or yeast may account for some cases of chronic nasal and sinus congestion and inflammation." I also tested positive for a small amount of a fungal organism. She has prescribed me two very special nasal sprays which I will get tomorrow plus is starting me on herbs to get rid of any fungus in my body (like lungs).
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3 Reactions@margvo That's interesting. I have been remodeling my parents house and I'm sure I've been exposed to molds. I asked for the nasil swab and the doctor talked me out of or. I'll ask again to be sure. Thank you!
I do have some really strong reactions to certain things I'm allergic to. When exposed to them, I'm real bad the next day.
I'm better now that the fall weeds are gone.
I have this also for the last 2 months, in both ears but separately. At present, my tragus is tender to touch, but not painful, and when I move my bottom jaw side to side, I can feel it in my ear and jaw. My ear feels full, but I had it checked and cleaned 4 days ago and audiologist said it was totally clear. It almost feels like something is moving inside my ear. I thought it was bugs at first. A head CT found nothing out of the ordinary. I can't pop my ears when I pinch my nose. Nose is slightly blocked on same side. Should I try antihistamines?
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1 Reaction@kaytemm sorry to hear you have this.
My ENT gave me Fluconase and Azelastine both nose sprays. They help my sinus/stuffy nose, but nothing for my eustachian tubes. He prefers sprays over oral antihistamines...I tried just about everything...nothing helps me. But I think you should try something if you haven't already....you can talk to an ENT or even your pharmacist. I wish you the best!
@margvo ...I also had this fullness and pressure come on suddenly, and I can't hear myself or i sound muffled. My eustachian tubes have always caused problems, all my life, but this pressure is like a constant headcold and im struggling to hear.
Over a year ago, I was emptying out my deceased parents house. Took 3 months, and I picked up a fungal infection on my chest. It became a deep open sore, burned and was painful. This is when my head pressure/fullness began. My dr at the time gave me a topical ointment to apply, but never did a biopsy. I have a scar from it. Ive moved on from that dr. But im going to mention this to my drs next visit.
I did tests for autoimmune diseases, all negative. Only did that because I complained about chronic fatigue and aches.