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Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: tube is plugged

Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) | Last Active: Aug 15 10:56am | Replies (59)

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@dkro

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

I am a 23/f, in December 2019/January 2020 I experienced a terrible cold/ sinus infection, I ended up getting a round of antibiotics prescribed from a walk in and was fully better within a couple weeks. Later in summer 2020 I noticed a certain like clicking and popping noise in my ears when I spoke, school began in the fall and I put it off until in November/December 2020 it became so unbearable the persistent noise began to trigger headaches and become a distraction. Working from home often in a quiet room on zoom calls I found myself experiencing worse symptoms, if I were to speak too much the plugging and unplugging noise (like you hear when you yawn) would give me such bad headaches. I finally contacted my primary physician after I had 2-3 bouts of intense dizziness and spatial disorientation and googling to find it might be related to my ears. She tentatively diagnosed me with Eustachian tube dysfunction after confirming there were no visible wax blockages. The ENT she referred me to listened to my symptoms and conducted a hearing and pressure test, both coming back normal. He (very rudely) told me “to go to a dentist for TMJ concerns because the clicking is my jaw” even when I tried to show him it only happens when I’m speaking and not just from moving my jaw, the clicking so loud you can hear it in my speech. I can’t afford to go see a dentist right now so I’m looking for some other insight as to whether the ENT I was referred to could have been wrong and I should pursue a second opinion or just take myself to a dentist in some time as it could be my jaw. Also over the last two days I’ve developed persistent ringing in my ears that seems to get louder when I bend over, and I have to do some jaw/throat/ear clearings to diminish; occasionally I also feel like there is liquid/runny wax coming out of my ears. Any insight is greatly appreciated!

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Replies to "Eustachian Tube Dysfunction? I am a 23/f, in December 2019/January 2020 I experienced a terrible cold/..."

@dkro Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

I'm sorry to hear about your symptoms and that your ENT (from the sounds of it) didn't listen to your concerns in full.

You'll notice that I moved your question to as existing discussion.

You are unable to afford the dentist but you are able to go to the doctor, right? I assume you have medical but not dental coverage, right? I cannot give you medical advice but it sounds like you have valid reasons to seek a second ENT opinion.
I'd like to invite members @lacy2 @sueinmn @redhead63 @imallears @chantellk20 @stites @upartist @januaryjane @dorothynoz45 to the discussion. They may be able to offer experience and support.

May I ask if you have access to another ENT nearby?