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Eustacian Tube Dysfunction

Posted , 5 users are following.

chris99478
chris99478

Please can somebody help me!

Basically, 1.5 years ago I was diagnosed with ETD by my GP. For 12 months I suffered all types of symptoms, all in my left ear. It initially began when I caught a cold. During those 12 months my ear was completely blocked. I suffered loss of hearing, people sounded like robots when I put the phone to my left ear, I had tinnitus and I was not able to pop my ears.

I visited my GP 4 times, and was no help at all. I tried all manner of things such as, nasal irrigation, some kind of balloon tool, decongestants, over the counter steroids and steam. Nothing helped.

After 12 months or so, the ETD final subsided. However ever since, I have experienced mucus running down the back of my throat, people still sound robotic when listening to them on the phone in my left ear (but sound normal when talking face to face) my left ear clicks when I yawn. I also had a hearing test which should I had mild hearing loss at low frequencies.

I'm am petrified that I have an acoustic neuroma or alike! After looking on the internet I have managed to scare myself. Could someone help?

Thanks

Chris

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Olizzieo
    Olizzieo chris99478

    Posted

    Hi Chris, did the audiologist do a speech test for each ear and if so what was your score? Signs of an acoustic neuroma are: asymmetrical, sensorineural hearing loss; vertigo, poor speech discrimination and roaring tinnitus in that one ear only. When your hearing is tested, if the audiologist is at all concerned that an acoustic neuroma is even slightly possible, they should have written to your GP asking for a referral to an ENT. Did this occur?  If I were you I would be asking my GP for a referral to an ENT so that I could discuss my concerns and get some answers. Good luck!!!
    • chris99478
      chris99478 Olizzieo

      Posted

      Hi Olizzieo,

      Thanks for your reply. I don't believe the audiologist did a speech test. She did say to me that because I have mild hearing loss at low frequencies (125htz - 250htz) and that I have had ETD that she will refer me, to which she did. However, she did say that if I had not mentioned the ETD, she would not be concerned with the results of my hearing test.

      I do not have vertigo or tinnitus. I do occasionally get an echo type sound I'm my left ear if I turn the tap on and water is running or if somebody shouts.

      I've also noticed that if I pop my ear, the air sound like it is being released down my ET very slowly with a sort of 'ssssssssssssss' noise almost like there is pressure.

      I have an appointment with an ENT doctor on 27 July.

    • Olizzieo
      Olizzieo chris99478

      Posted

      Glad you are seeing an ENT. The echo with tap water or shouting doesn't sound like ETD. They should have done a speech test. I would phone the audiologist and ask them to perform a speech test at no cost. That is a basic part of an audiological test, especially when you were complaining about distorted speech in one ear. They should perform it at 45dBHL and 80dBHL/masked if your hearing is basically normal. Feel free to show them this comment. What did your tympanogram results show? You want to know what Type they are ie Type A, Type As or Type C. Was the pressure negative ie -123dBHL or -17dBHL (which is slightly negative but normal). 

  • Tbone1
    Tbone1 chris99478

    Posted

    Chris,

    My advise is to find a good ENT Dr. And start there. The Internet is good, but you can self diagnose your symptoms and plan your funeral with that info. I've had every scan possible and they still don't know why I have the ringing, headaches, earaches etc.. But I know this, I have no tumors, or vascular problems! Get with that ENT. I'm living with this since 2011

    Best of luck!

    Tony

    • Olizzieo
      Olizzieo Tbone1

      Posted

      Have you seen a chiropractor and a TMJ specialist? Google TMJ to find out if you think this may relate to you. Has a dentist assessed you? Sometimes it can be the teeth or jaw that is causing the problem?
    • chris99478
      chris99478 Olizzieo

      Posted

      Hi have taken a look at TMJ and there are many similarities.

      Firstly, it states excessive chewing of gum. Now, I gave up smoking 5 years ago. However, for 5 years I was continually chewing nicorette chewing gum! Chewing constantly. The only time I didn't have a piece in my mouth was when I was asleep! Thankfully, I no longer use it. But all my problems started approximately 4 weeks after I had given it up.

      Secondly, it states that grinding your teeth can cause it. I grind my teeth religiously each night. Occasionally waking myself up and my girlfriend!

      Bad posture! Admittedly I do have bad posture.

      Stress and anxiety. I'm a prison officer, so experience this daily.

      I also note that I have extreme pain if I press into the joint of my jaw just beneath the ear. It's only painful on the affected side and not on the opposite.

      I do also get occasional pain down the left side of my neck muscle and around the left temple.

      Certainly sounds like what I have. Thank you for that

    • Olizzieo
      Olizzieo chris99478

      Posted

      There are TMJ specialists, so hopefully you can find one close to you!!! Good luck!
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