Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Cure
Posted , 60 users are following.
As far as I know, there is not ETD cure, yet. I am interested in finding one. I am a Caucasian 34 year old man living in Santa Clara, CA. I have a BA in Psychology and work in a Neuroscience Lab. I was diagnosed with ETD a year ago. I have been suffering from it for 17 years. 13 years ago I had a bought of Bulimia that lasted for about a year. I had Anorexia Nervosa as an adolescent. I was given the maximum dose of testosterone to boost me through puberty since Anorexia was preventing it. Soon after I abused alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and various other drugs until 2005. I believe all these factors have contributed to my ETD. I was diagnosed with OCD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder two years ago and have been taking Effexor (Venlafaxine) to cope. An Ear, Nose, Throat doctor (currently called Head and Neck surgeon in US) prescribed me Flunisolide (coritcosteroid) to reduce ETD inflammation. It seems to help a little, but it is certainly not a cure, even when used for a significant period of time (i.e. 3 weeks).
My ETD has been recently aggravated by my attempts to remove pimples and skin tags, which may be a symptom of OCD. Has anyone else experienced this situation? Numerous doctors say there is no connection between the skin abrasions and ETD, but they obviously don't have ETD.
Primarily, I am asking for information regarding ETD. I need to know the statistics of ETD so that I can develop a valid research proposal. Health organizations neglect to respond to my questions. It seems that most biological research is involved in diseases such as cancer and heart disease, which is great. But, as I am sure that anyone reading this knows, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction is a debilitating disease that hinders one's ability to live to their fullest potential. As I have recently graduated with a Bachelors degree. I am researching what my next step will be. I am strongly leaning towards statistics and data mining, since that is a much needed position in all research fields.
I am looking for information on the number of people with ETD worldwide and specific to certain regions. A timeline of ETD cases in these regions. Research groups, Academic and Professional, that are researching ETD. Research groups that are investigating ETD from the Neuroscience and/or Ear, Nose, Throat (Head and Neck surgery) perspective. Any other information is helpful as well, especially your own personal accounts of ETD. Please share your history, as much as you care to disclose, so that I can begin to develop an etiology of ETD.
I have read many of the other discussions on ETD and recognize that many of you are suffering and I certainly empathize with you all. I am still trying to decide if my anxiety disorders are the result of ETD, my ETD the result of my anxiety disorders, if they are mutually intertwined, and/or if something else is going on. I very much hope to hear from you so that we may begin to develop a cure for ETD so that we may not be hindered by this ruthless malfunction.
1 like, 209 replies
shannon85303 Tympanic
Posted
Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't been on here in a while. I went to see Dr. Kolenda in Oakville, Ontario a couple weeks ago. He also thought I was a great candidate for Baloon Dilation of the eustachian tube. The price I was quoted by the US doctor (as a Canadian) was $15,000 USD (plus the exchange rate ... yikes!). Dr. Kolenda quoted me around $3500. Both doctors told me they have an 80-85% success rate. Dr. Brian Weeks has treated close to 1000 patients (as of January 2016) and Dr. Kolenda in Canada has treated around 30 patients. Neither reported any negative results, just situations where it didn't work on the patient. My biggest fear is this becoming any worse, so that was good to hear. I asked both doctors if this was their wife or kids, would they recommend this procedure and both said yes 100%. I'm still nervous to have it done, but I feel much better about it now. I'll have to wait a while longer as I'm currently pregnant with twins and can't have it done while pregnant (due to general anesthetic). Has anybody else had this done? I would love to hear more from actual patients! Thanks.
tony0321 shannon85303
Posted
Hi Shannon. I've had chronic ETD for over two years now and earlier this year I had eustachian tube balloon dilation surgery. No negative effects or complications but unfortunately the surgery did nothing to improve my symptoms. Like you, I was quoted about USD 15,000 by Dr. Weeks' office, and as I'm not a US citizen or resident I would have had no insurance to cover the procedure if it had been performed in the USA. I ended up having it done in Europe at a lower price. I've also tried steroid nasal sprays (for over a year), the Earpopper and Otovent devices, but nothing has helped to relieve the constant crackling, clicking and blocked sensation in the ears. I also suffer from tinnitus and some hearing loss. People without these afflications have no understanding of the daily misery they can cause. From what I've seen on this forum it seems there is no effective treatment for many cases of ETD.
miss00623 shannon85303
Posted
carmen17756 Tympanic
Posted
Hi
I have symptoms that would suggest I have EDT however have been diagnosed with migraine without headaches. I have fullness and pressure in my left ear, muffled and reduced hearing etc. I've tried many things to relieve the presure but to no avail. I've seen 3 different ENT consultants with a further appointment on Friday.
Any thoughts on this?
Regards
Carmen
Dan86753 Tympanic
Posted
Tympanic,
I am interested in participating in your research & am willing to correspond separately, but for now try my cure, which has been working successfully for me for approx. 1 week now; after suffering for what I now know as ETD for the better part of 35 years... I was told I had nonallergic rhinitus... I've gone through the gambit of tests, MRIs, CT scans, deviated septum surgery, EGD w/ Bravo capsule placed in my esophagus (acid reflux), hearing tests (tinnitus), always to be told there is nothing wrong with me that these test or procedures haven't solved, but I still have the symptoms.
After suffering, yet again from recent air travel, it dawned on me that I might have excess water trapped in my ear, such as that which might be caused from swimming (as I used to swim quite frequently). One trick I learned to prevent swimmer's ear (similar symptoms) was to use Isopropyl Alcohol (90-95%); a few drops in each ear after water exposure (showering, etc.) or at the onset of symptoms (sinus congestion, post nasal drip, etc.), and guess what -- my cure has been working! I've stopped taking the Allegra I was prescribed, I stopped taking the Flunoside I was prescribed; I just take the few drops of Isopropyl Alcohol. It's cheap, no more Dr.'s visits & copays, no more costly presscriptions, and a simple cure -- imagine that!
Let me know how this works for you and whether I can provide more information on my history or cure for your research, as this "incurable" medical diagnosis has baffled the medical community for years!!!
Good luck!
Dan
carmen17756 Dan86753
Posted
Hi Dan
I'm so pleased for you that you appear to have found a cure and relief from this awful condition.
I unfortunately am still suffering with this full ear and associated symptoms which are severely impacting on my daily life.
I would like to try isopropyl drops. Can this be purchased over the counter or do I need a prescription from the doctor?
I look forward to your reply.
Regards
Carmen
Dan86753 carmen17756
Posted
Carmen,
Yes, you can buy it OTC -- No Rx needed. It is marketed as drops for swimmer's ear (usually more expensive ~$4 for 1 oz., 95%) or simply Isopropyl Alcohol (~$2.50 for 32 oz., 91%, 86%, etc.). It usually costs a few dollars more at a pharmacy than if you were to buy it at a Walmart, Target, or Kmart (or similar type store).
Let me know how it works out for you.
Dan
carmen17756 Dan86753
Posted
Hi Dan
Thanks for your reply.
I live in England UK so will check if my local pharmacy have any.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Cheers!
Carmen
Dan86753 carmen17756
Posted
Carmen,
Btw, I also suffered with "migraines," "tension headaches," felt like sinus related, on my left-side, w/ pain behind my eyes; I went through almost everything that everyone else has described above, including a host of depression meds; TMJ treatment; etc. -- all of it mistreated by specialists, military and civilian, for many years.
I was most surprised, when finding this forum, that there is an actual name (ETD) for this condition... especially given the fact that I have suffered for the better part of my life. For me, at least, I'm going to refer to it by it's traditional name: Swimmer's Ear. By doing this, perhaps many modern day medical professionals will treat their patients accordingly and provide much needed relief for very little cost.
I sure hope my cure helps you. Try Tesco, I'm sure they'll have Isopropyl Alcohol (also referred to as "rubbing" alcohol)!
Dan
carmen17756 Dan86753
Posted
Hi Dan
I've had tension headaches too and also vertigo which was why I was originally diagnosed with migraine with vertigo. However the second consultant disagreed and dismissed this. The third said it wasn't ETD and the fourth said it might be menniers disease!
I'm sure you can understand why I'm frustrated! Meanwhile I'm suffering!
I have an MRI and balance test in a couple weeks but not feeling very optimistic right now!
I'll check out Tesco tomorrow. Thanks again.
Carmen.
test4echoman Tympanic
Posted
Tympanic,
This is really weird. Your 1st few sentences describe me to a "T". I am 56, on EFFEXOR for the past 10 years. I abused Alcohol, recreational drugs and Tobacco as a kid. Pretty much ADD and OCD…”squirrel” ….LOL!!!
In addition, I have been playing drums for over 45 years. I did not protect my hearing growing up from loud music, tools, fireworks etc. I have also physically abused my body (sports) to the tune of 7 broken noses numerous concussions and 4 rhinoplasties. I actually need another operation to fix my currently deviated septum from a head on car crash 8 years ago.
I have lost about 15 to 20% of my high frequency in both ears according to my last Audiologist test, and she ask me if anyone had ever told me that I had an unusually small right ear canal???? News to me! I have always had In–Ear-Monitors not fit properly on the right side and maybe that explains it…hmmmmm
A few weeks ago I noticed that when I held my nose and popped my ears, like when you are on an aircraft, I heard all of the high frequency on the radio in my car. My ears never popped but putting that very slight bit of outward pressure on my ears, it opened up my hearing range.
Of course when I let go of my nose and the pressure let off, the highs went away too.
I am wondering if maybe I have ETD as well – I am making an appointment with my “doc” to discuss and also I am going to bring up maybe having tubes put in will allow me to regain the high end sounds – the wife – lol – and help me avoid getting hearing aids.
Has anything worked since your last post?
Thanks a bunch.
heidip Tympanic
Posted
I am a 35 year old female living on the north coast of NSW. I was diagnosed with having PET 12 years ago. I have suffered through the symptoms for 12 years... some days worse than others. A couple months ago I went in for blood work as I was feeling tired... assumed it was because I have 2 young children... but it was discovered I had low iron. The doctor suggested it may be due to an intolerance to glutan. January 1 I decided this year I needed to concentrate on my health and drastically cut down my wheat intake (but did not give it up entirely) and gave up alcohol for a bit. Not only has this helped my energy levels but has completely "cured" my of my PET symptoms. At a time when it is usually at its worst in the hot humid months... I am only hearing outside noises! I find it is usually at its worst in summer, after a long hot shower, excersise, a change in the weather, or on a windy day.
heidip
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NT27 Tympanic
Posted
My ears have been driving me crazy! I don't have enough time to give the whole story, but 3 years ago I took a flight to New Hampshire, and even though I've flown dozens of times before, something on that flight drove my ears crazy and ever since then (more than 3 years ago), I have had trouble flying on planes. Last week, I went on a trip across the country, and even though it's February, the pollen was crazy and I got bad allergies after being there for a week. My right ear had already been giving me problems (fluid), ear pressure, hearing issues, for about two weeks. Fast forward to the return flight home (the fourth flight), because the to and from flight were both connecting flights, and by the end of the flight I could hardly hear anything and my voice sounded like it was in my head. The ear and sinus pressure was crazy. Zyrtec worked only mildly and I had to take 3 in a 4 hour period and it still wasn't working. I tried nasacort and that didn't help. I took sudafed sinus pressure (2 pills) the one in the red case, and that helped some with sinus pressure in the front of my face, but still the ear pressure thing was a problem. I was in the grocery store last night, and I passed horseradish sauce, and something told me to buy it. I'm not kidding! I do not even like horseradish sauce, but I decided to trust my gut reaction, not exactly sure why I was buying it. Two days later, tonight, I decided to eat some to see if it would cause my sinus pressure to go away. MIRACULOUSLY within 3 seconds of chewing on this my sinus cleared up temporarily. You have to chew it, you can't swallow it. Chew it for as long as possible in the sides of your mouth. Then, while chewing it blow your nose. This works! After doing this 4 or 5 times, my left ear popped!! I chewed about 1/4 teaspoon for a minute each time. In between each chew I drank something (e.g. water or lemonade), so my mouth and throat doesn't get burned. The next time, my right ear started to have liquid movement. I got a swab (which I know is generally a no, no) and out came some hard wax - WTF! I guess that was stuck in here and my ear feels so much better. My left ear is still at only 80%. So, I'm gonna keep working this a little more, but my right ear is now at 100%. This is F*ING amazing. Why didn't anybody tell me this?! I'm writing this on here, because I was looking for solutions and when I found one, I thought I should post it on the off chance that somebody might read this, try it, and get some relief. God bless everybody on here. I hope that you find the cure for your ears, because good health is something everybody deserves.
miss00623 NT27
Posted