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Is this ETD?

Posted , 4 users are following.

george24228
george24228

Basically, I have been having issues with my ears since late July (4 months now)- constant fullness and pressure in ears with crackling and popping as well as dizziness and reduced hearing. Went to the doctors numerous times who said it was blocked Eustachian tubes with fluid and prescribed nasal sprays and said it should clear up in a few weeks. Needless to say, it didn't and although my hearing sometimes fluctuated- some days I would yawn and my hearing would improve whilst other days I would wake up with my hearing being really muffled. Then in the last week of September, I suffered from an ear infection (basically deafness) which the doctors said may have been due to binge drinking with the fluid in the inner ear having become infected. I was prescribed antibiotics and my hearing continued to fluctuate. After going out drinking 2 nights in a row, I then woke up with severe vertigo, complete loss of balance and facial numbness, I initially thought that I had had an allergic reaction to something but I went to the doctors once again and they said it might be Labyrinthitis and I was prescribed with anti-dizziness medication and was told that it could clear up in 7 weeks. I booked another GP appointment and they said that the eardrum looked red and infected and I was again prescribed antibiotics for a week. My hearing has again diminished completely and I am struggling to hear what people right across from me are saying. I was just wondering if this is typical of ETD? I am worried sick about the possibility of permanent hearing loss. 

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • hee-young06668
    hee-young06668 george24228

    Posted

    Yes. All of your symptoms can be from ETD. You need Eustachian tube catheterization in order to treat it.
  • anne05078
    anne05078 george24228

    Posted

    Hello George,

    Don't worry, it certainly sounds as though you're suffering Eustachian Tube Dysfunction like many of us

    on the forum.  If tubes are blocked, naturally it will affect your hearing.  I'e suffered this problem for so

    many years now and know what works for me.  Steroid Nasal Spray no longer work for me.

    If your problem continues for much longer and if you live in England (it seems other countries can't get

    these meds) ask you doctor to prescribe Flixonse Nasule Nasal Drops....they are stronger than the Flixonase

    Nasal Spray and other sprays too.  You have to lean your head of the bed to administer.  Once you've been

    using them for a few days, you'l find you'll be able to pop your ears and help drainage.  Remain on these

    drops for the recommended 6 weeks, using them mornings and nights.

    Although I still suffer ETD, by using the Nasules I manage to pop my ears and I'm good for approx 4 days.

    We all need proper relief from this condition as it's so awful.

    Take care and hope you soon feel better.  Good job you were put on antibiotics to protect you, as ETD

    caused me to suffer Bacterial Meningitis where the mucus sat in the eustachian tubes so long it

    turned bacterial, crossing the Blood/Brain Barrier making me very poorly indeed and almost lost my

    life.  I'd hate for anyone to go through what I did and always recommend people get protected if they

    suffer ear pain or earache.

    Regards

    Anne

  • ashleysnyder
    ashleysnyder george24228

    Posted

    I’ve had etd for years and was diagnosed  with Ménière’s disease in July. You may want to look up Ménière’s disease a lot of your symptoms sound similar to mine 

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