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Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation

Posted , 15 users are following.

mike_05061
mike_05061

I have been experiencing Eustachian tube dysfunction starting about 4 years ago. Over the last 8 months it has been non-stop with ear closing off, crackling, popping, clicking when I swallow, pressure and tinnitus. I live on the wast coast of US in Seattle and have been to 2 GP, 5 ENT, 2 Allergists, Gastroentologist, Naturopathic doctor, 2 chiropractors, @ opthamologists (for allergic conjuctivitis they thought was related to the ETD but ENT's said no) and 2 massage therapists and nothing has worked. I have tried the usual steroid nasal spray, decongestants, antihistamines, prilosec (when they thought it was caused by GERD), several 30 day doses of antibiotics, prednisone, eliminating dairy products, etc. In reading about the new Acclarent product AERA which was approved in Sept 2016 it seems this offers a possible solution. I was looking for input :

1. Has anyone had this and care to share their results?

2. What is the best clinic or doctor on the west coast to see regarding ETD solution including the balloon dilation?

I am getting desperate and have run out of alternatives and no doctor can help me. I hope someone here can give me advice. Thank you!!

0 likes, 39 replies

39 Replies

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  • lisalisa67
    lisalisa67 mike_05061

    Posted

    Go see a maxillary surgeon or a dentist familiar with tmj. Etd with no fluid is inflammation..from the jaw. Horrible! Jaw doesnt have to hurt either. Im in the mdst of dr appt and such but this seems to be the root cause of mine. They make a soft mouth splint if your lucky that works. It did for me for many years. Sleep on your back so your not mushing up your jaw wrong. .Acupuncture is beingbraved about for it as well. I dont like needles but you know i might force myself to tey this in a couple of weeks. This is maddening, says chiro as well but im too chicken for someine messing with my bones. And in the accuounctire i think its twice a week or something like that for only three weeks to help it. I havent done that yet. I do know two people,personally who have and are good now.  They seem to just know how to deal with muscles and such. When you choose you just want to look at reviews obviously and for it to be authentic. 
    • mike_05061
      mike_05061 lisalisa67

      Posted

      Thanks Lisa. I went to my dentist in Dec and she said she saw a little bruxism but not much and gave me the name of a Maxillofacial surgeon. He did an xray and some tests but found no TMJ. When I left the last ENT who said it was Tenso Tympani muscle spasms he suggested acupuncture and I understand the needles they use in the face are thin like a hair and you may feel some pressure like in a massage but no pain. I may try it down the line somewhere. I had also tried a NUCCA chiropractor who do slight pressure to adjust the neck . It helped with walking more smoothly and all but not the ear pressure. Their theory is if you adjust the neck then the rest of the body adjusts to even.

  • lisalisa67
    lisalisa67 mike_05061

    Posted

    TMJ dysfunction (incl. tmd)! dysfunction should be carefully considered in all this. Hard to manage that too. Even with a mouth gaurd. And maybe consider seeing a rheumatoid arthritis doctor they also rule out auto immune disorders. I just did that. You be surprised. Seek out the tmj specialist carefully read reviews. You want on that will run tests and not looking to cut or replace all your teeth. Lastly sleep apnea tests should be run. No dr. Will do baloonolasty if your ear is the root issue and looks ok,

    Try acunounture. I have been finding ENTs stink in helping tomfigure this all out,

    • lisalisa67
      lisalisa67

      Posted

      Lol i already answered this sorry.
  • teresa01903
    teresa01903 mike_05061

    Posted

    Mike can you pm me list of ents that has such high success rate of the balloon dialation as I'm thinking this is the procedure for me as I have etd

    Teresa 01903

  • j87112
    j87112 mike_05061

    Posted

    Hi Mike, 

    Can you send me the list of doctors? I’m also in the Seattle area and have been struggling with what I think is ETD for two years. I just went to a ENT here locally and he said that my ear pressure is normal.. and there’s no reason to do the balloon treatment or even tubes. I’d like to get a second opinion and your list would be very helpful. 

    • annette63450
      annette63450 j87112

      Posted

      Hello, your ETD sounds identical to mine. I live in Seattle too. What did you decide and did your hear from Mike on his post regrading the 6 ENTs who preform the balloon therapy. If you did, how are you feeling? Would you mind sharing your doctor recommendations to me? Thank you so much!! Annette
    • sunny65137
      sunny65137 annette63450

      Posted

      HI Annette 63450  -- Did you ever receive the names of the doctors that do the Eustachian Tube balloon dilation procedure that you can share with me
  • annette63450
    annette63450 mike_05061

    Posted

    Hi Mike, can you please send me the names of the 6 ENT you referred to in your post. I too am suffering from ETD and I need to consider this surgery. I hope this reaches you. I’m at my wits end.  Thank you!
  • sunny65137
    sunny65137 mike_05061

    Posted

    can you send me the name of the doctors that do the Eustachian tube balloon dilation
    • annette63450
      annette63450 sunny65137

      Posted

      Sorry I have not heard a thing but I am still very symptomatic and would love to hear the name of the Seattle doctor

       

  • diane09605
    diane09605 mike_05061

    Posted

    Hi Mike-

    Can you let me know the 6 doctors you identified? I live in MD- not sure if any of them are in this area. 

    Diane

  • diane09605
    diane09605 mike_05061

    Posted

    Hi Mike-

    Did you have the balloon procedure done? How did it go? I just recently had a tube put in, and wanted to see if that was something you looked into as well. 

    Diane

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