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Balloon dilation of eustachian tube blockage

Posted , 67 users are following.

sesamegirl
sesamegirl

Hi, I suffered from eustachian tube dysfunction since I got a serious sinusitis and a cold last September. I saw coutless ear and throat doctors and took numerous medicines but cannot unblock my ears. I am doing exercise, massage, sunna and eating healthy food but no cure. I searched Internet and found many medicial reports about the balloon dilation surgery, and it seem it can successfully open the eustachian tube without significant complications. I am considering to do it if my tubes are still block 3 months later.

Did anyone do this surgery before ? Pls kindly share your experience with us? A lot of thanks!

3 likes, 362 replies

362 Replies

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  • MommaKaren51
    MommaKaren51 sesamegirl

    Posted

    The recovery was a day out of work with very little pain. The minor complication was getting fluid in my ear which was corrected by insertion of a tube during an office visit; this is what I treat with ear drops occasionally which clear up the problem. As I said it is so much better, there are times that I forget I have/had PET.
    • sesamegirl
      sesamegirl MommaKaren51

      Posted

      Thank a lot for your help. I will observe the sickness 2 months more and then decide to take surgery in either taiwai or guanzhou, as HK does not has such surgery provided.
    • erica27186
      erica27186 MommaKaren51

      Posted

      Thanks for sharing your experince, so you had PET, not ETD correct? Where you heard echoing, etc?
    • Ver.
      Ver. MommaKaren51

      Posted

      Hi, how did it get to the PET stage for you. Would you be able to explain what work-up you had prior to this surgery. How did this stent surgery go so far? I would greatly appreciate this thx - V.
  • Tympanic
    Tympanic sesamegirl

    Posted

    This may be blatantly obvious: the valsalva maneuver is the best technique I have found to temporarily open the eustachian tubes. I wish you all the best in your quest to overcome this disease.

    As for the surgeries, I have no experience with them, since my doctor (Kaiser, California, USA) has determined my symptoms do not qualify for them.

    • sesamegirl
      sesamegirl Tympanic

      Posted

      Why your doctor thought that you are not able to take this surgery? I suggest that you can see more doctors to take average their opinions. I saw 5 doctors and 2 suggested me to take the surgery while the remaining suggested me to keep observe it for 2-3 months.

      Also, if your local hospital is difficult to provide this surgery, you can seek help from overseas. I know hospitals of China, taiwai and bankok all provide it. Finland and German too.

    • joshs
      joshs Tympanic

      Posted

      If you are able to do the valsalva your blockage mustnot be as bad. Many cant doit at all. I am also curious as to why they say it wouldnt work for you though. While the procedure is getting better known i havent seen much discussion on who would or wouldnt benefit and why. The results do sound promissing.
    • Tympanic
      Tympanic joshs

      Posted

      sesamegirl and joshs,

      My Head and Neck Surgeon (ENT) at Kaiser said that since I do not have fluid buildup in the middle ear, the surgery is not appropriate for me. Relative to what joshs said about how my blockage may not be severe, since I can do the valsalva, my ENT said that my ETD is relatively mild. I have always supposed that there is much more to my condition than just ETD. I believe muscles such as the tensor veli palatini, levator veli palatini, and many other mucscles, nerves, etc... within the region are all coupled factors in my condition. Please keep me updated of your progress.

    • sesamegirl
      sesamegirl Tympanic

      Posted

      Dear all,

      I have similar status as Tympanic, I had fluid in my ears before but now it disappears. My audio and pressure reports are normal. What I suffer is the block ear feeling and non stopped clicking sound.

      When I open my mouth to suppress air into my ears, I can hear my ear drums are shaking. That means my blockage is also not severe, May be the ETD becomes narrow after inflammation.

      However, the blockage feeling is very uncomfortable that I have to open my mouth always like a fish. I saw many researches, over 70% of patient's fullness feeling disappear after 1-6 months of the surgery. Some patients only have mild ETD due to sinusitis and finally can cure by the surgery.

      So I believe the surgery more or less do help. However the only disadvantage is there is 5% chance to suffer from patulous PET for 2 weeks - 3 months after the surgery, the doctor told me.

  • 4theloveofhorse
    4theloveofhorse sesamegirl

    Posted

    Hi, I've been suffering with euthachian tube dysfunction for 3 years, the first 2 years it was my right ear after trying everything that I could find on the internet I finally found a doctor who I trusted to do the ear tube, I was so happy I could hear again, then after 6 months my left ear blocked. It was 1 year from Jan 1 , then after about 9 months my tube is now plugged, does anyone know what type of ear drops to use as I can't hear at all I'm calling tomorrow for an appointment as I changed my insurance so I could see the Dr I trusted. Anyways I'm also interested in the ballon surgery any suggestions on a good surgeon would be appreciated 
    • Earman
      Earman 4theloveofhorse

      Posted

      Hi There Horselover,

      I'm in the same situation and just happend to find your post for Ballon surgery. Any suggestions yet? West coast guy

    • 4theloveofhorse
      4theloveofhorse Earman

      Posted

      Hi, 

        I've tried everything and more, I just don't understand why it's happening, I made my appointment to get the tubes put in. I want to resolve it get to the cause so when the tube fails I might be able to hear.  How long have you had it?

    • lisalisa67
      lisalisa67 4theloveofhorse

      Posted

      I had bmt tubes twice. But they fall out and then what. Cant do it a thirs time. It scareps the ear drum. The etd  can come from tmj i have been told a lot. Hard to fix that Too. The muscles oush on it closing it leaving dysfuntional. So if no fluids they dont really do it. And many have no fluid. But maybe this will lead to a gateway to fix this.  I have a washing noise with all this as well. Started in April. I thought surgeons and drs were smarter then all this stuff, frustrating.yiu can keep reinserting yubes over and over. Or i would have.
  • Olizzieo
    Olizzieo sesamegirl

    Posted

    Although it doesn't make sense, ETD (Eustachian Tube Dysfunction) is not the same as PET (Patulous Eustachian Tube). Both are dysfunctional eustachian tubes but they are often confused and share some similar symptoms. ETD is a blocked eustachian tube whereas PET is a eustachian tube that is too open. They are treated differently although both can often be treated with a tympanostomy tube (also known as a grommet, T-tube, ear tube, pressure equalization tube and PE tube. When you are searching for answers on the internet about your eustachian tube problems, make sure you know which one you suffer with as many posts are confusing these two etiologies. It is possible to have both ETD and PET at different times or in each ear. Always see an ENT/Otolaryngologist if your stymptoms are not improving and if necessary get a second opinion from a different ENT as PET is still often mistaken as ETD. Be clear about your symptoms.  Where do you hear your voice/breathing/pulsating/tinnitus from? What do you think caused it? What makes it worse or better? What other symptoms do you experience ie ear fullness, blocked ear, hearing loss, discomfort to loud sounds etc. 
    • tina98126
      tina98126 Olizzieo

      Posted

      Hi, do you know a doctor/surgeon on the west coast who does the PET surgery? I recently blew out my right tube following a 3rd sinus surgery and I can't take it anymore, need relief now.

    • tina98126
      tina98126 Olizzieo

      Posted

      No, I didn't realize this site was global.

      I'm in the US, Seattle Washington.

      If you've found any info about doctor in the states please let me know. Thanks!

    • Olizzieo
      Olizzieo tina98126

      Posted

      Tina if you ring an ENT/otolaryngologist and ask if they do PET surgery or treatment, if they don't, you can ask them if they know who specialised in eustachian tube dysfunction. They all know each other and what their specialties are. Otherwise there must be an ENT professional body that can help. Good luck!!

    • jto
      jto tina98126

      Posted

      Tina, try Dr. Brian Weeks in SAN Diego. I have had ETD for almost 2 years and he is one of 4 doctors in the US that does Eustachian tube balloon dilation. We are in the process of getting approval for me, may have to battle with BCBS since it's pretty new type of surgery. He did a great surgery on my sinuses and I can breathe freely for the first time in my life. I'm sure he could help you with PET surgery, good luck.

    • mikescape
      mikescape jto

      Posted

      jto

      Who are the other 3 doctors in the US that do eustachian tube balloon dilation?

    • cassie_49067
      cassie_49067 tina98126

      Posted

      Brian Weeks in San Diego has a great reputation & so does Mani Zadeh in Los Angeles. If my problems persist, I definitely plan on seeing one of those two docs after extensive research & hearing tons of positive feedback.

    • kimzsmilin65
      kimzsmilin65 tina98126

      Posted

      I am from Vancouver, Washington and Dr Anderson does this ballon dialation surgery as I just had it done. He is a very kind and understanding ENT.
    • miss00623
      miss00623 kimzsmilin65

      Posted

      Can I ask how long ago? What your symptoms were/are? How your healing is going?  How long did your Ent say it would take to feel better? 

      Thanks missy

    • kimzsmilin65
      kimzsmilin65 miss00623

      Posted

      I just had the balloon dialation surgery on 04/21/17. I'm doing well only have had a sore throat but I've been told that from being intubated. I've had ear issues for over 25 years and have had tubes in my ears on and off for 10 yrs without much relief, I've had clogged ears all these years that started with a cold and I'd get vertigo regularly as well.

      So far so good. He did put rubes in my ears again just to make sure all is drained and then the eustation tube dialation will work from now on.

    • miss00623
      miss00623 kimzsmilin65

      Posted

      I had it done on 04/14/17 and I'm still experiencing crackling and popping.

      wasn't sure if your Ent had said anything about recovery and inflammation?

      i had a sore throat also. Mine started a little over 2 years ago with a cold as well. My Ent dos a myringotomy during the dialation.  

    • kimzsmilin65
      kimzsmilin65 miss00623

      Posted

      I still have the crackling and popping as well but my ent hasn't said anything about it and I'm not do to go back until later next week. I thought the cracklings had to do with the 2 types of ear drops twice daily but I'm not sure. I have left a message with his office asking how long do I do the ear drops though as well as how long will my throat hurt so badly as I can't eat much ugh..

      Take care

    • niall1202
      niall1202 miss00623

      Posted

      Hi,

      I'm just wondering how your doing since your balloon dialation?!

      I had it done this week. The popping seems to be gone in my left ear but my right ear is still popping. I've read your posts and see you experienced popping after the procedure. Did it go over time for you?!

    • miss00623
      miss00623 niall1202

      Posted

      Her just curious if you had crackling when dealing also and if that's gone for you as well as the popping in the one ear?

    • niall1202
      niall1202 miss00623

      Posted

      Yes the cracking and popping is gone in my left side but I'm still popping in the right side. I only had the balloon dilation done on Wednesday...just wondering if what I'm experiencing on the right is normal..

      how are u doing since your balloon dilation?

    • niall1202
      niall1202 kimzsmilin65

      Posted

      Hi,

      Just wondering how your getting on since your balloon dilation. I had it done on Wednesday..my left side has stopped popping and crackling but my right side is still popping. I see you had popping and crackling after your surgery..did it calm down?

    • Elgee
      Elgee niall1202

      Posted

      I am having the dilation procedure this week and wondering if your eustacian tubes were blocked after the procedure due to the inflammation? My concern is that mine are always blocked. When I can unblock them it's great, but worried that after the procedure they will be blocked more due to the inflammation and I won't be able to unblock them. Also, how long did the inflammation last? I'm nervous about this happening in only a few days.

    • niall1202
      niall1202 Elgee

      Posted

      Hi,

      I had the procedure done last Wednesday. My tubes are blocked due to the inflammation and I can't do the valsalva so I'm currently not able to get relief that way. My doctor told me to use Flonase and Afrin. After using Afrin (approx 30mins later) I can do the valsalva. But you can only use Afrin for 3days and then u have to give it a break for 5days! I'm still in the very early stages after surgery. The swelling and inflammation will take 6/8 wks to go down! I'm sorry I can't be more help at this stage. The only advice I will give u is don't expect instant relief..u might get a few days of relief and then the symptoms will come back due to swelling and inflammation..the hope is that when the swelling and inflammation reduces so will the horrible symptoms. Wishing you the best of luck 🍀

    • Elgee
      Elgee niall1202

      Posted

      Thanks for the feedback. I guess it's with the effort of the procedure works. I've been dealing with this for too long. Even driving down small hills blocks up my ears and then can't unblock them. Hopefully it will work for me.

    • Jamieleev
      Jamieleev niall1202

      Posted

      Did you ever have a fullness feeling or muffled hearing, if so is that gone? Also who was your Dr.?
    • Elgee
      Elgee

      Posted

      I had the procedure yesterday. We decided to also put in a ventilation tube to help with the recover since the swelling may block up the ET. So far, a bit muffled in the ear the procedure was done on. Dr said I cannot blow my nose, do valsalva, etc to allow the ET to heal. Hopefully it will get back to normal.
    • kelly91202
      kelly91202 Elgee

      Posted

      Very interested to hear your progress, please keep us posted!
    • dianataylor
      dianataylor Elgee

      Posted

      So excited for you, can i add, no loud concerts, no ear buds w loud music, just let them heal!! I haven't heard from anyone who has had tubes and the dilation surgery.  Please keep us posted! 

    • Elgee
      Elgee dianataylor

      Posted

      The reason for the tubes is because I can hardly unblock my ears, so during the swelling process it would make it impossible to inblocknthem so the ear tubes are supposed to help until the ET swelling goes down. So far no adverse effects from the procedure, except for a sore throat from the breathing tube. Time will tell when I start driving down hills to see it is actually working.
    • niall1202
      niall1202 Jamieleev

      Posted

      Hi Jamie,

      dr. Marc dean is my doctor. He's in Fort Worth, Texas. I didn't have muffled hearing or fullness feeling before the surgery. I haven't got those symptoms after the surgery either but I can definitely do the valsalva maneuver a lot easier since the surgery. It's still very early days for me..I only had the surgery 10days ago. Today I'm finding chewing gum stops the popping and crackling..for now anyway!

    • Elgee
      Elgee kelly91202

      Posted

      I hadn't my 1 week follow up today. Debating said everything looks great. I am feeling much better and I am not having such a hard time with ETD like I did prior to the procedure. I am still healing and have slight muffled and clogginess at times but much better than before. I can even unblock my ear when I need to. I think the combination of the dilation and the ear tube is a great combo. Will see in 5 more weeks if it is still better, hopefully it is. All in all, no complaints and glad I did it!

    • miss00623
      miss00623 Elgee

      Posted

      Do you still have crackling with every swallow?
    • Elgee
      Elgee miss00623

      Posted

      Slightly, but I never really had much of that as my ET was always blocked. I have a light pop sound when I swallow ecerybnow and then which is a welcome sound and feeling for me. The dr did look inside my ET when he did the follow up visit and all he said was it's healing nicely.

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