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Clicking sound in left ear for last 2 months, what is it?

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westwool
westwool

Hi all, nice to find this community 😃

I returned from a long haul flight in late April and, two days later, I started getting this clicking (sometimes crackle) sound in my left ear when I walk fast, like a metallic "tick, tick, tick-tick, tick, tick-tick..." exacerbated by my pace. I also get it when I tilt my head back, press my hands against my eyebrows/forehead, or make other kinds of head motions. My left ear also ebbs and flows with a slight "full" sensation or tingles from time to time, though that's quite subtle.

An ENT said my ears looked fine, an audiology and tympanometry came back fine, and a CT scan of the cervical spine was fine.

I was told that maybe it's allergies, so I was put on Flonase and Allegra daily for a few weeks, that didn't do anything. Then it was steroids, Medrol, and that didn't do anything either. Now I'm doing neti pots nightly, and not sure if it does anything either...

I recently cut out caffeine from my diet, and the clicking got better, around ~50% less volume and much less frequent, especially when I walk. But then I had coffee again for a week, and it got worse again. I stopped coffee again a few days ago, and it got better until, last night, I had two glasses of wine, and it came back in full force.

It really sounds like my left eustachian tube, or something in the vicinity is "popping open" or "flapping" with movement, and it's causing this clicking sound.

I've researched the web, but can't find anything on this. I thought maybe it's Patulous eustachian tube, but I don't have any of the typical symptoms like autophony.

Does anyone know what this may be? And any recommendations on tests or procedures that might help me identify more conclusive what's affecting me?

Thanks for your help, trying to stay positive but it's getting harder.

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • sandra_45010
    sandra_45010 westwool

    Posted

    you may have the eustachian tube too close , its the opposite of patulous

  • roy98218
    roy98218 westwool

    Posted

    I think it's common to have tests and be told there's nothing visibly wrong. my own feeling is they'll diagnose etd, which really means they've no idea what's wrong, it's just some medical catch all like IBS.

    my specialist told me to try otovent balloons which open up the eustachian tubes, the idea being that any fluid would then be released. I find I can feel the eustachian tubes opening when I use them and some movement inside my ears, but it doesn't drain them as I'm not sure there's anything to drain.

    I also read a post on here about a link with low thyroid function and etd. apparently the thyroid plays a role in keeping the soft tissues inside your ears healthy. I've been taking iodine tablets to help my thyroid out and think they're helping. it feels like things are softening up inside my ears and the pressure isn't as bad, my vertigo has gone too. having said that there is still pressure there and plenty of crackling, especially if I drink.

    not sure any of that helps you out, but good luck.

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