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Ear tubes as an adult, what do I need to know?
I have an aneurysm that is pushing on my eustachian tube and causing fluid in my ear and hearing loss. It is clear fluid with no sign of infection. The aneurysm is calcified and has very little chance of rupture, so providers (ENT and Neurosurgeon) feel it is better to treat symptoms (ear problem) than to do surgery on the aneurysm.
I have an appointment in a few weeks to place a tube in one ear.
I am sure they will give me care instructions, but from those who have had tubes as an adult, any advice or questions I should ask the ENT provider?
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I don't have direct knowledge other than to suggest you ask for risk/reward and side effects of surgery.
God bless, best to you this thanksgiving
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1 ReactionHi Laurie,
I had an ear tube placed twice last year due to fluid behind my ear drum which would only clear with a tube. The first one had to be replaced due to some drainage, no infection. The second one was removed by the ENT many months ago and I'm fine now.
The tubes provided me with instant relief; I could hear better and I didnt feel that fluid was in my ear which I could not get rid of. Regarding what to ask, my main question was could I still attend my water aerobics classes? Answer was yes. I am glad that I did it. Have a follow up with ENT next week. Good luck to you.
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1 ReactionI had an ear tube placed in my right ear today. The entire appointment took about 20 minutes. I can feel relief already.
For anyone who reads this discussion and has questions, here is what happens:
1. The eardrums are numbed.
2. Then a hole in the eardrum was created.
3. Next, the fluid behind the eardrum was suctioned out. This just felt weird, and the notice was loud. Even though the provider had warned me, when turned on suction I jumped. Guess anything in the ear is going to be loud.
4. The tubes were then inserted.
5. Was given some ear drops to use for next 5 days.
The echo is gone! I will go back in 6 months for follow-up hearing tests.
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2 Reactions@roch That was my experience, except they did both ears. On the way out of the building I heard a strange sound - my husband identified it as the sound of the revolving door turning - my ears had been full of fluid and infected for so long, I had forgotten what that sounded like. 😳
I tried to convince my current ENT to try it to see if it would relieve my tinnitus, she said insurance won't approve for that.😒
How old are you? the ENT I saw said I was too old for Ear tubes because the hole would never close. I am early 80s. I don't trust him very much and want to see another ENT because of the ear crackling sounds and hearing loss. If tubes would help me, I would like to do it.
@phxbarb
I am 70, no mention of age from ENT provider. I agree that getting a 2nd opinion would be good idea.
@phxbarb
Im 72 and as others have said no mention of my age being a factor. I would seek out another opinion. We might be old but we are entitled to feel good.
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