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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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@theleons3
Amen, Thank you for your prayers and encouragement, and will try these teas. I’ve been drinking lots of camomile lavender tea. Helps to calm the nerves because it’s been causing me a lot of imbalance issues as well. I will continue to pray and trust in the Lord for our healing .
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1 Reaction@jcrewmom1 one more thing.. cut out all dairy... No dairy what so ever... Our bodies have a reaction to dairy..and it causes thick mucous... So eliminate all dairy, cheese..anything dairy
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3 ReactionsThank you for your prayers!!
I pray about everything!!
@jcrewmom1 I've tried teas also.
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1 Reaction@dmoreci I've had the feeling of pressurized "clogged" ears and altitude and underwater sensitivity for 30 years since having pneumonia as a kid. Never had ear or sinus infections, but horrible allergies. It's always been one of those things that is annoying when I think about it or acts up, but never so bad it became the topic at a medical appointment. Instead, I often make weird yawing motions or plug my nose to relieve the pressure, it's like a tic. Gets worse for several weeks after each congestion connected illness. Googled for the first time in that 30 years and whaddya know, it's a thing! Who knows if I'll ever remember when I'm in front of my doctor, but I know more how to explain my experience!!
I have trouble with my tubes also but only in the cold weather! they swell up ENT and my primary just keep giving me antibiotics and Prednisone low dose, it works, don't know if that helps? I'm 73
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1 ReactionNothing helps me...tried all the above.
I noticed since wearing my phonak hearing aides im having increases pressure and muffled hearing after removing them and does not go away even if I stop wearing them for several days. What I've researched is that in my case with chronic severe ETD, I cannot equalize the trapped pressure the hearing aides cause. They have vents, but maybe I need a larger vents to allow more air to enter.
Something to think about....ill address it with my audiologist.
I honestly did NOT experience this before ever wearing them...and not many drs or audiologist are aware.