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Grommet implants

Posted , 4 users are following.

christina91807
christina91807

Hey guys, has anyone here had a grommet fitted? Did it work? How long was your recovery time? If it worked, how long were you well for? Thank you. 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Candy1130
    Candy1130 christina91807

    Posted

    Can you explain what this procedure is? I’ve never heard of it or seen anyone talk about it on this forum. Thanks!
    • christina91807
      christina91807 Candy1130

      Posted

      Hey Candy,

      From what I know, a grommet is a small implant placed at the opening of the ear drum designed to cause air to enter the ear and thus relieve pressure (I suggest you google it though as I don’t know that much about it) but I saw other menieres patients on other forums have good results from it so figured I’d ask here. Children often have it for glue ear. Eventually they fall out I think, and you can have others put in afterwards, it’s really easy to have one fitted apparently. Hope this helps. smile

  • JamesM
    JamesM christina91807

    Posted

    I’m 38 and have had Ménière’s disease in my left ear since my early twenties. I’ve had 2 grommets in that time. The first time was early on. It literally stopped the vertigo in its tracks and I went for 15 years with out another attack. The grommet only lasted for about one year though so maybe this was coincidence? Unfortunately 2 years ago the vertigo returned this time round I was keen to get the grommet fitted early because the results at least appeared amazing the first time! However I think it had little effect on my attacks. 3 months after it was fitted I had a very severe attack which completely destroyed any residual hearing I had in that ear. On an up note though the vertigo is now less of an issue. I am however very deaf on that side. The procedure of having a grommet is very easy it can be done under local anaesthetic although most surgeons prefer a general. I had no pain and was back st work the following day. It also allows easier administration of drugs such as dexamethasone or gentamicin to the middle ear. 

    On a side note has anyone on this forum ever had a cochlear implant fitted? Did it improve things? What was the recovery like? 

    Cheers

    • christina91807
      christina91807 JamesM

      Posted

      Hi James,

      When you say the grommet only lasted for a year do you mean it came out? I don't know too much about when they stop working. I can't  help regarding the implant but I'm in my early twenties too. The thought of having this for the rest of my life is terrifying me - how did you get over it/get used to living with it? I'm always scared of attacks. Sorry to hear it didn't help the second time around. Are you taking any medication such as Betahistine? 

      All the best,

      Christina

    • david2salsero
      david2salsero JamesM

      Posted

      James. I’m sorry to hear about your hearing loss due to MM. Did I understand you correctly though. You went from good hearing to almost being deaf in three months? Or was the hearing loss always there but finally took a turn for the worse.
  • JamesM
    JamesM christina91807

    Posted

    Hi All, 

    A grommet is just a small (tiny) tube that is placed in your eardrum. The ear drum heals over time and pushes the grommet out. This takes between 6 months and a couple of years. It really is a very minor thing and has limited issues. I swam regularly with an ear plug and only got one minor ear infection in a year. I would recommend giving it a go to anyone with Ménière’s as it also opens up other treatment options. 

    I tried betahistine and moduiretic with limited success. I also trialled a low salt diet, no booze and reduced caffeine. With limited success and a miserable existence. 

    Luckily my vertigo has settled but my hearing is very poor in one ear. The hearing had slowly diminished over time but unfortunately following a few severe attacks it went from ok ish to profound deafness. I have good hearing in my other ear and so this doesn’t overly limit me but I am considering having a cochlear implant more as an insurance policy in case my other ear is ever effected. Does anyone have any experience of this? 

    This is a s****y disease but the key for me has been trying to remain positive!! I don’t let it limit me and get in with life! 

    Take care guys! 

    J

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