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After 7 months of ETD, a stupidly simple solution

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brendan_67908
brendan_67908

"Punched in the head and held under water", I say when someone asks about my ETD symptoms – eardrum pressure and roaring tinnitus.

No infection or sinus congestion, my tubes just stopped working 7 months ago. Doctors gave me the usual steroid spray, antihistamine, antiboitic treatment, to no avail. I thought it might be just a mechanical problem – I carry a fair bit of tension upstairs, so I got regular massages for my shoulders, neck, face and head. Massage helped, but not enough. It couldn't taget the deeply-buried  eustacian tube area ( although apparently osteopaths use the "Muncie Technique" – a massaging of the tonsils, to get to the ET area and open and clear the tubes). I tried it on myself and nearly threw up. Then I tried it with my electric toothbrush, and did throw up.

I was on a long drive 4 days ago and was wondering how I could stimulate (or relax?) the area around the tubes without shoving something down the throat ( this area is made up of soft tissue – adenoids, soft palate and also the pharyngeal muscles). Some of this stuff could be vibrated while others could be consciously activated. So I started humming vigourously, mouth shut, searching for the best quality of drone to vibrate the upper throat, nasal cavity and ears. Once I found that, I modified the sound by using (also vigourously) any of the available muscles, throwing the "voice" all over the place. Do not do this in polite company – you will sound like some deranged Nepalese throat singer on a didgeridoo. I kept this up for about 40 mins (til I started to hit a bit of traffic and needed to concentrate). To my suprise, and utter delight, my ears have been near-perfect since. I'm doing a few minutes of the exercise daily while walking the dog or having a shower.

Give it a try and let me know how you go. I hope it works for you.

 

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • maureen05275
    maureen05275 brendan_67908

    Posted

    Hello Brendan, my problem is different to yours as it is a patulous (open) eustachian tube but your above account makes absolutely fascinating reading.  I have little faith left in doctors after a lifetime of illness and have learnt over the years that one has to do most of the work oneself and this is what you have done.  Thank you for sharing; who knows how many others you may help!  Well done, indeed! 
    • brendan_67908
      brendan_67908 maureen05275

      Posted

      Thanks for the encouragement , Maureen, although I imagine this particular technique would be torturous for you, given your condition. Have you found anything that works for you?
    • maureen05275
      maureen05275 brendan_67908

      Posted

      I knew what was wrong with me two years ago but got the official diagnosis only two audiologists and two ENTs later, this past April.  The ENT I saw then told me to put on weight.  At 72 I now weigh 58 kg; at 18 I weighed 64 kg - not a big difference, so I was a bit sceptical.  I came across a short piece on Utube recently, however, where that ENT said as little as 3 lbs (= 1.4 kg) can make a difference.  I have malabsorption and food intolerance issues but I am stuffing in the food and trying to add on a few kg.  Rather ironic in this age of obesity and diabetes!  If it works, I will certainly be posting!  Thank you for asking.
  • michael11955
    michael11955 brendan_67908

    Posted

    I'm trying this now Brendan 67908 & I can feel a certain amount of vibration in both ears.I'll continue to do it & advise this site if I get anything positive from it.

    • brendan_67908
      brendan_67908 michael11955

      Posted

      Thanks, Michael. Good luck. Let me know if you come up with any variations that work.
  • susan98928
    susan98928 brendan_67908

    Edited

    Dear Brendan, I have menieres with various sounds of tinnitus plus clicking and hyperacusis. Over the years I have leaned to try and live with it. However I recently woke up to roaring tinnitus which vibrates to external noise. Absolutely horrible! I have searched various sights and  came across your post. I have just tried this humming and it is very uncomfortable but sometime we have to work through the storm. I will give you feedback as Im starting this method today.  I have no faith in my dr or the two ENTS who i am under due to existing problem. On my  last visit I got a pat on the shoulder and was told to "Grin and bare it". Im so glad the breathing technique worked for you and hope it does help others too.....worth a try!

    The reason I typed in my symptoms is for others to know they are not alone. Good luck to everyone.....here I go humming through the day >>>>

    ps.Thankyou for sharing .

    • michael11955
      michael11955 susan98928

      Edited

      Dear Susan,I've tried humming too & although it gives me a feeling in my ears that I hadn't experienced before (a sort of tickling feeling).In reality  it hasn't done anything at all to relieve the pressure in my head & ears.

      Michael

    • brendan_67908
      brendan_67908 susan98928

      Posted

      Hi Susan. I had my symptoms (similar to yours) for only 7months. I'm in awe of your ability to put up with them for so long. My hearing cleared the day I stimulated the ET area with vibration and muscle movement. Still clear 2 weeks later. I'm still playing occasionally (though I don't need to) with the technique, trying to figure out what I did right. Michael mentions the tickling ears– I get that too with a particular frequency hum.

      Have a look at a diagram of the eustachion tube area so you can visualise what you need to vibrate and which muscles you should try to activate. I just do anything with humming, droning or vocalising to wake up those lazy tubes. Good luck and let us know how you go.

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