Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: tube is plugged

Hi @redhead63, the stay home restrictions are really challenging, especially as people continue to have health issues. I'm bringing fellow members @stites @upartist @januaryjane and @imallears into this discussion in the hopes that they may have some interim solutions for you until you can get to see a doctor.

Redhead, can you explain the symptoms that you're experiencing a bit more. Do both your ears feel plugged? Is your hearing affected? What symptom is the most bothersome?

@redhead63
I don’t have any eustachian tube dysfunction but have know people who have had tubes. I am assuming the tubes failed and then they tried balloons to keep the canal open. If the balloon collapsed then your canal is not open and your tube is clogged again. That’s what it sounds like. How did you know the ballon collapsed? You should be able to get a Telehealth conference with your Doctor. My ENT office has it. While he can’t examine your ears at least you can explain the symptoms and he can make suggestions. Can you find out if the office is using Telehealth. Even a phone consult would be better than being in limbo. I would kind of insist on that. Sorry I can’t be more helpful but I don’t want to suggest anything that would make matters worse especially since there are balloons in your canals.

FL Mary

I have hearing loss, ringing in both ears and the left ear sounds like a machine gun going off, just for a few seconds. I have no other symptoms

I only have one balloon in the right ear. I called the surgeon and his nurse said the Doctor said talking to me won’t help, he needs to look in your ears and to call back in late May. What a freken jerk of a surgeon to say that to his patient.

@redhead63
Hi,

I would find another doctor if I were you.....that’s horrible feedback from their office. Don’t know if you were happy with him in the past. My ENT office is open to a Telehealth conference for anyone...it would billed as a consult.
My own dentist even called me a few weeks ago telling me my cleaning was cancelled and I could call him back with any questions.

I know you are in a tight spot but, if you do see him in May and this is resolved, maybe you should think about taking your business elsewhere. Knowing that you are concerned enough to have called twice should have prompted the Doctor to personally take time out and speak with you briefly.

FL Mary

I will be looking for another Surgeon after my visit with him. Unfortunately there’s not a lot of Surgeons that do this particular surgery. He was recommended by a Doctor at the Cleveland Clinic. I prefer to have a Doctor in my hometown.

Yes, both ears are plugged. I also noticed that when I am in the lying position both of my ears are trying to open, they do open a little but as soon as I sit or stand both are plugged.
Do you think this could be a flow problem?

@redhead63, Whenever I hear of someone with eustachian problems I want to share my experience in the hope that perhaps someone else will benefit. Not one of us has the same problems but maybe my tale will help in some way. Oh, if only I can make it short! Over many years of my adult life I believe I have seen 16 different ENTs and had 40 tubes and 3 major surgeries, all right ear only. The very best are those who say, 'I don't have the answers but I will find out." Right now I have the best and am thankful. Keep looking until you can find an ENT you can partner with and make progress. Only my last 3 doctors discovered my problem was multiple spinal fluid leaks that settled in my right ear. I started getting answers when I was referred to neuro-otology. You may have fluid in your ears and if so, what is it? It's source and origin are important. My right eustachian tube was surgerically blocked 13 years ago and I haven't needed another tube! I wish you the very best. I don't know anything about balloons. Sounds interesting.

Thank you so much for the information. What do you mean that your right ear was surgerically blocked. A balloon stent is to keep the ear functioning. Never had a problem with the left ear but now that tube is disfunctional. May I asked who figure out your cause. The name of your Doctor that actually found the cause. What were your symptoms and what should I know about spinal leak. Any symptoms with spinal leaks.
Thanks so much.

I have eustachian tube dysfunction in both ears, it's painful. I had tubes as a child. I have some hearing loss now. It's not fun. I would request telehealth or something because we are more prone it seems to ear infections this way.