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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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@nekoizmase - I'm having the same issue and I'm wondering if you've had any updates since your last post.
I started having a feeling of agitation (or fullness?) in both of my ears. I pop my ears but the sensation returns immediately. Minor changes in elevation cause symptoms to trigger. Exercise too. Sometimes the left ear will be worse, and sometimes the right ear will be worse. I've tried 2 rounds of antibiotics - no change. Audiogram and head CT was normal. My ENT thinks it's just mold allergies. I've completed the "build up" phase of allergy shots, and now I'm on the therapeutic/maintenance phase (which will last a year). I'm also on montelukast. I've seen minor improvement - but I'm nowhere near "back to normal".
My ENT did not recommend ear tubes, although I feel like they could help. He did refer me to a university clinic. I'm hoping they're able to determine the root cause.
What I found to help:
- Taking a shower
- Eating
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
What I found that triggers symptoms:
- Driving
- Exercise
- Chewing gum
Have you Googled TMJ?
My left ear, the bad one, has MES. Musical Ear Syndrome. Comes and goes. I hear the same Men’s Chorus singing parts of familiar patriotic or holiday songs. Not loud but as if they were in another room. Some favorites: Battle Hymn of the Republic, Marine Corps Hymn, Johnny Comes Marching Home, Anchors Aweigh, more. Frosty the Snowman, Rudolf…. Never complete the song but transition into another. I read it can presage deafness in affected ear. Usually not when I’m doing something or conversing. Need new hearings which are recommended. Also for about a month and 1/2 had several hallucinations. Saw people not there 3 times. Moving never speaking, though looking at me. Went to “community mailbox” with wife to get mail. Dark except for fairly good street lights. Saw 3 juvenile boys playing around neighbor’s wheeled trash cans put out on sidewalk for next morning trash pick-up. I figured they’d knock them over and make a mess. About 40’ away, I yelled to please quit it, leave cans alone. They looked back as though puzzled and not understanding. Wife said, “Tom, there’s nobody there.” We walked on and I didn’t see them again. But turning left at nearby intersection, now near to mailboxes and maybe 200’ away saw couple dozen ancient Roman soldiers, milling around, some swords brandished, among grassy area with tall thin plants around. They wouldn’t cross onto a paved road though nothing blocking in the road. Again wife totally unaware. Got mail, turned around to home. They melted away I think. Side note: I do listen to a lot of audio books, historical fiction, about Ancient Rome. Connection? What’s “scary” is a different time, we got home from somewhere and I took time to scan any messages on iPhone. Sure enough there was one that I’d hoped I’d get. From my doctor. I told my poor wife of course. Earlier I had messaged doctor briefly about how a visit to a different doctor had gone, but apparently text was not clear enough about just exactly whom I was referring to. Her text to me gave me the chance to better explain everything. I knew my first message was “rushed”, even sloppy. So that night replied to her text with much clearer, precise description of doctor visit. Next day though too soon for a reply from her, I checked phone anyway. Nothing. BUT NEITHER COULD I FIND her reply message to ME which I was so glad to see the day before. I could NOT find anywhere on phone. Yet I saw the REPLY I had written to her. I hadn’t used the “reply” feature on her message but had started a new text. So it dawned on me. 😜 She hadn’t texted me in the first place. But my own reply to “it” was in my sent folder. She never said anything about it. All I can say is that during the time period in question we were under massive stress over very ill daughter. Also resultant financial matters. Whom does one “see”? A neurologist apparently. A kinda of physical “Check-up from the Neck up”.
Next Thursday.
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@johnm141 Hi John. This is me right here you just described what i’ve been dealing with after ballonsinuplasty surgery that i had done in my sinuses back in November of 2025. I’m still trying to get answers and the right treatment . I’ve had many MRI’s CT hearing test and all the other test for ETD but nothing is showing up as that being the case . I am seeing another ENT today ti see what she says and go from there but it has been debilitating i’ve missed 6 weeks of work now due to the off back balance pressure echo of my own voice in ear and sensitive ti sounds . Eating an and drinking fluids makes it worse for me to. Hope you’re doing well. I see this post is from a while ago.
@theleons3 It sounds like the treatments i’ve had as well and not working . I should look into maybe a natural type doctor . I do not like taking medications at all either . They prescribed me medication for vestibular migraines to ti see if maybe that’s the case . I have not used it . I don’t think it’s that . I pray you are doing much better now .As i see your post was a while ago.
@jcrewmom1 hey! Thank you for asking..
I will say I am doing 98% better...
This is what worked for me...
In the beginning I was very aggressive with my at home treatment.. but it really did help me.
I started drinking mullein tea..3 cups a day.. to each cup I add a thyme tea bag.. and drink those together... Mullein and thyme are awesome for congestion and mucous.. so I thought it would help thin the mucous trapped in my ear.. and it did.
I also took Flonase.. 1 spray in each nostril 1 time a day... I did that for about a month. I also did steam inhalation for 15 minutes..2 times a day.
For the most part, I do feel much better... My ears don't bother me as much anymore... And if I f eel like I am g strong congested I just drink the tea again... Until it stops.
Typically within 3 days.
I mean I am not 100% healed... But it is certainly manageable.
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1 Reaction@jcrewmom1
Also.. get some of the mullein garlic ear oil from Amazon.. it's made by HerbPharm.
I put a couple drops on a trip and swab my ear as far back as I can go without pain... That'll help clear the ear from the outside... You can do that as many time as you need... But I like to do it in the morning and at night...
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Hope you find help too.
Nothing has helped me. Dr said stop meds, which were nose sprays.
Im done in that department and living with it.
Have tried several different approaches...no help. Take care
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1 Reaction@theleons3
Thank you so much for responding . I really appreciate it. I’m so happy to hear you’re doing better. Praise God. I will definitely try all these things as well. I will let you know how it goes and keep you posted . Thank you again. Have a blessed day .
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2 Reactions@dazlin
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear you’re still having to deal with it . I will keep praying and looking for best approach and treatments . If I can get any answers from doctors or good feedback I will keep you posted . The Leons3 on here had some good advice . I will be taking it and trying the natural things she has recommended. I will let you know how it does for me. You will be in my prayers as we continue to find the relief and healing we are looking for . Have a blessed day.
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3 Reactions@jcrewmom1 please keep me updated!! Prayers for you! I believe God gave us everything to heal ourselves.. but we were never taught how to use them.. it's a trial and error approach.. but really keep at it... If anything make sure you keep drinking the teas!!
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