Clogged ear for 5 month - lots of exams that show nothing

Anne you sound like you might benefit from balloon dilation of your eustachian tubes. It is such a simple surgery but you would need to find someone that performs it, says you are an appropriate candidate and prefer it to taking medication and nasal sprays. It's great that you have found a speciaist that has been able to get on top of your symptoms though!!!

Hello,  My friend who sufffered blocked ears for weeks and weeks after a cold, her doctor gave her one of those balloons to do it for herself.  Our hospitals or doctors surgeries wouldn't perform this.  It didn't work for her and she too was prescribed what I'm using....different doctor !  I fully understand what you are saying about constant use of these drugs, however, it's such a miserable condition, as you are aware, that I'd have done anything to get them cleared.  Thank you for advise though.  Unlike the US where I think you are both from, in England we get all this on our National Health Service free.  Well I say free, a certain amount of money is taken out of salaries while everyone is working, that covers all medical treatment and operations.  However, once one has retired, it is in fact all free.  So grateful for that as it would cost me a fortune in Insurance seeing my ENT consultant twice a year since my illness.

Kind regards Anne

The balloon blowing often doesn't work but where they insert a balloon in your eustachian tube under anaesthetic, has been shown to be very successful. There are definitely ENTs in England that perform balloon dilation as I was surprised how much information I could find on it there. I had thought it was only in the US. I am in Australia and we are behind both America and the UK with this procedure starting a few months ago. I only know of one ENT in the whole state that I live in, that is performing this procedure. As you say, it is brilliant that you have found something that works!!!

Well, that's very good news and thanks for that.  The balloon dilation has never been mentioned to me, only nasal irigation, that certainly doesn't un-block ears.  If I have anymore problems I will make sure I discuss this with my ENT consultant next April 2017.

Thanks again

Anne

Thanks dear Anne.

how was the dyfunctional eustachian tube issue had been discovered?

Morning Martha,

Anyone that suffers with constant blocked ears it isn't natural.  Some peope get blocked ears when they got colds, but once the cold has gone the ears clear up.  Someone with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction it happens all the time for no reason.  That's when mine was investigated and diagnosed as ETD.  As I've mentioned before I requested could grommets be put into my eardrums to allow drainage....the produre children had when they suffer constant glue ear.  No I was told !!  So, I continue with the steriod based Flixonase Spray and at the moment  it seems to be working for me.  Even getting my smell and taste back after many years having lost it.  We all know Ears Nose and Throad are connected, so wondering if constant blocked ears stopped my senses from working.

Anne

They did grommets on me twice ten years back. They do fall out within months and now they cant do it anymore, its a temporary fix. 

Hi Olizzieo iv been reading all your comments and they really got me thinking I went to my gp around August time when I developed a pulsating in my left ear, I have suffered from allergies for a few years and take antihistamines daily my gp gave me ear drops nasal spray and a tablet to take for two weeks and then go back to get checked, I got my ear syringed but the pulsating contuined I was sent to ent then on to get an MRI as I occasionally took a sore ear & throat anyway MRI came back clear but they found something in my nasal symmetry which I have to go get a biopsy donevon the 14 /3 I also have a deviated septum which hasn't caused me any problems so I'm wondering is it all coming from the allergies or what I'm very concerned for the biopsy they don't really explain much and leave you fretting for weeks🙄

Hi Anne

Did you totally lose all sense of taste and smell? I can't taste hot spicy food and I cant smell bad smells, hot spices, poop and rotten food.

I have deviated septum. Surgery did work. But i was better for 5 years after surgery 

ie did not work 

I also have that vibration feeling when i put fingers over ear on right hand side 

Some sounds annoy me. 

Hello Shelly, sorry I've only just come across your post.  I lost my sense of smell donkeys years ago and it's through all the inflammation I make due to sinus and allergies.  My ears were so bad, I had the pulsating too that I had to ask for another 20 day reducing course of Prednisolone steroid tablets.  After a few days of taking them my smell and taste returned.  When I finished, I then went on a six weeks course of Flixonase Nasules.  After those, I reverted back on Flixonase Aqueous Nasal spray that I have to use twice a day every day.  I've now had complete relief from this wretched problem since April this year.  I started back on the every day Flixonase Aqueous spray and at the moment all is still good.  I'm just dreading the cycle starting all over again (blowing lots of clear mucus, post nasal drip, and bad sinus and allergy issues) I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I will still have many weeks of relief, but I'm not holding my breath over that, as I've been here so many times before.  We all need a break from this awful condition.  Unless people suffer from it, they've no idea just how bad it makes us all feel.  My blocked ears started in the 1980's and by 1994 it took hold of me, the mucus sitting in the eustachian tubes turned bacterial, crossed the blood/brain barrier and I contract Bacterial Meningitis.  ENT specialist should really take notice when patients are suffering ETD, as it could potentially be dangerous, especially, like in my case an earache was present.  I did have an earache at the time of the meningitis, which indicated I had a raging infection.  When my ears are blocked I don't get earache now.  I suffer Tinnitus too.

For some reason my consultant doesn't want to put in tubes or use the Balloon Dilation on me.

Hope by now things have settled down for you Shelly, however, in my own experience of ETD it just doesn't go away without help.

Anne

Hi I've been to ent twice in 2 weeks my hearing is fine which I knew that he had said I might has a little fluid behind my ear or glue ear but not enough to fit grommets so he had referred me back to my Dr he also said he can not explain my dizziness. I'm currently seeing my dentist as I yawned the other day and my jaw made a loud crack noise so she is treating me for TMJ dysfunction she has gave me exercises to do for to go back tomorrow as might need a night guard this can cause ear fullness but she can not be 100%sure back to the drs tonight as I have scabs inside my ears which are really sore .

Hello Kerry,

If you've got fluid in your ears, that can take forever to drain.  Take a decongestant and ask your doctor to prescribe Flixonase Aqueous Nasal Spray....you may find they help.  Also steam inhalations can open Eustachian tubes.  It's like holding an envelope over the kettle to de-stick the glue on it. Once you've done this for approx 20 mins, try popping them gently, as I sometimes find this helps.

Anne

Hi thank you for your advice

I've done all of this and still having problems when I use steam I blow my nose and I can feel they are trying to unblock but nothing it's really getting me down .

Hardly getting any sleep either

I know exactly how you're feeling.  If you'r getting desperate, try asking your doctor for a 20 day reducing course of Prednisolone tablets.  I was on them in April and my ears have been fine ever since.  Mind you, I've suffered ETD for so many years now, so I know it will return with suffering severe sinusitis and allergies. I can guarantee the tablets will clear up all the inflammation and unblock your ears.  Give them approx 3/4 days to work though.  The only downside to taking them is insomnia, however, your blocked ears are disturbing your sleep anyway, so won't make any difference.  I'd sooner not be able to sleep for the duration of being on them to having blocked ears...it's the worse thing !!

Anne 

Thank you for the advice I just feel as I'm getting no where at the moment I cry at night my dizziness is getting worse I'm at the drs tonight

Have you had hearing tests and scans ?

Yes Kerry I have.....hearing slightly down, which it would be if they are blocked.  However, I lost some hearing too after suffering bacterial meningitis due to ETD.....the mucus turned bacterial and cross the blood/brain barrier.  I also lost the sight in my left eye due to this.

Anne

I contracted bacterial meningitis because of it.  However, I'd suffered ETD for at least 10 yrs prior to it turning nasty.

Anne

Sorry Kerry, I've repeated myself.  I talk so much about my experience with people on this Forum that I forget who I've told....must be losing the plot ha ha !!

Anne

By the way, which country are you in ??

Really that's so scary

I live in Worcestershire england

I might try some prednis. What dose do u think. I have 20mg (2 tablets in morning - this is for auto immune ) 

I also have nasonex. 

Antihistamines? Claratyne. Is drying. 

I thought maybe you're in England too as your replies are quick.  Blocked ears can certainly cause vertigo.  If you're seeing your doctor soon ask him for Prednisolone.  I do feel for you Kerry and do let me know how you get on.

Are you on f/b ?  we can talk privately if you would lie to

Anne (Kent)

Personally, and of course I'm no doctor or dentist, I don't really think all the people on this Forum are suffering TMJ....clutching at straws I think.  Yawning can sometime make our jaws click.  Try twitching your left, then your right cheek and really pull, just like you're winking, that can open up tunes too....just a little exercise I use....open your mouth when you try this.

Anne

Hi yes I'm on Facebook look for Kerry brighton and thank you it's driving me crazy

Hi Kerry, I'll try and friend you.  

Anne

Hi again Kerry, there are 3 Kerry Brighton's and I don't know which to click on.  What sort of picture is on your profile ?

Anne

 

Hello Rhonda,  If you're already taking steroid tablets you may not be prescribed for ETD.  I always take a 20 day reducing course and they work for me.  Two other ladies on the Forum started to take them too, unfortunately, I haven't heard back from them for ages to know how they are....maybe they've left the forum. Nasonex does nothing for me and I find Flixonse much better.  If your doctor won't give you the tablets ask for Flixonase Nasules.  You lean your head over the bed to administer.  I've just finished a 6 weeks course of these after finishing the Prednisolone.  Now I'm back using Flixonase Aqueous spray.  Fingers crossed I will continue getting the relief, it's so wonderful being able to smell and taste.  I don't want to sound negative, but no doubt I will get all the inflammation back and ETD because of my allergies and sinus issues.  Are you on the 20mg Prednisolone permanently, I'd have thought they'd have helped your ETD.

Kind regards

Anne

Good luck and let me know how you get on.

Me again, I forgot to say the tablets were 5mg per tablets.  6 straight off the first day for 5 days, then reduce....I think I've got that right, as I've thrown away my boxes.

Hi me and my husband stood in a hotel corridor and my other one is of my daughters

Did you find me?

Morning Kerry, No I didn't find you.  There aren't that many Kerry Brighton's though.  One picture looks like a guy dressing up as a woman with pigtails the other is of 2 girls.

See if you can find me Anne Westover Chatham Kent.

Hi what is your photo?

Try kezza brighton

Hi Kerry, are you in Bromsgrove ?

 

How did you get on at the doctors yesterday....did he prescribe ??

Hi yes I am

Got to go back on Thursday to see if I can have a scan blood test is booked in as well thyroid problems can cause ear problems.can not find you on facebook

That is weird you can't find me on f/b....never mind, as there is private messaging on here too.

I hope you don't have thyroid problems and never heard that can be a cause of ETD.  Just let me know how things go.  I awoke to find my left ear was blocked this morning....mornings being a very bad time

for me and ETD, with lying down all night and drainage.  However, although I should be using the Flix Nasules again, I did and it immediately clear with a gently popping too, so all good again.  What did your doctor actually say today ?

Hi Anne what medication did you have that made your ears pop ?

Hello Kerry, 

A 20 day reducing method of Prednisolone steroid tablets.  After those a 6 weeks course of Flixonase Nasules (with thes you lean you head over the bed to administer.  When those have finished I use Flixonase Aqueous Nasal Spray.

I've had just a little over 5 months relief from wretched ETD, however today when I got up this morning my left ear has been extremely blocked.  I eventually managed to pop it, but it continues to close up again.  I'm not too sure whether I have another perforation in that left eardrum, if so it's usually too tiny a hole for the thick sticky mucus to drain.  I'm not due to my next ENT appointment until February.  When this happens I I pay and see him privately at our local Privat Hospital.  So, because of the fullness again I've used Flixonase Nasules this morning and again just now in the hope they will work.  I'll know in the morning when I get up....morning are the worse time for me having been lying down all night.

I've been spoilt having relief for 5 months and now the cycle has statred all over again.

Feeling so fed up

Anne

I know this was last year but I have had a blocked ear for weeks.  Usually allergies do this  but then my other ear would be blocked as well.  I did have a perforated ear fixed last year and I could hear fine.  If I try to pop my ears, which the doc said is good to do, water comes out my EYE lol.  What the hell, so there is fluid SOMEWHERE.  Could it be eustachian problem do you think?  Every since I had tubes put in and a deviated septum fixed I can only smell and taste every other 4 weeks!!  And it's always at Thanksgiving and Christmas ugh!!!  If I try to pop them and my good ear pops and I can taste and smell for a second or two.  Usually salt water up the nose and holding it in works but not this time.  Any ideas?  Seeing the ENT tomorrow.