Long term possible ETD, Sinus and Head pressure issues

Posted , 54 users are following.

I've had chronic tinnitus, ear popping and blocked feeling in my ears over the past 3 years (mainly inmy left ear). Alongside the discomfort, I've had with this issue, I've had various sinus pain and extreme facial pain for 3 weeks once when I literally thought I was having a hammer smashed against my head. also seen ENT and been on nasal steroids and sprays which didn't help in the long term.

The problem originally flared up when I had a bad head cold 3 years ago and that's when my ear ringing and popping started. I was on high dosage of inflammatory s for my head pain and it instantly disappeared almost immediately and never returned upto now.

I've now had a cold which seems to have lasted for 2 weeks. And my god its been a misery. I've had buffered hearing, difficultly popping my ears, head, facial, eye pressure and pain. My sinusus feel like they are going to pop out of my skull and I feel like I've been banged over the head whilst asleep. I've also had trouble sleeping for the past few weeks which doesn't help whatsoever.

From what I'm aware I've not got any allergies, I'm going back to ENT over the next few weeks so we'll see whats said. However last time I had a camera put into my sinuses and it was all clear the only thing suggested by ENT was possible tubes in my ears?

Wondering if anybody else has similar problems and any advice for me. I'm only 21 and looking to start my career over summer when I finish university and this has almost controlled my life for years.

6 likes, 101 replies

101 Replies

Prev
  • Posted

    Omg Jack I feel like your talking about me. When I blow my nose my right ear pops. I AM FILLED WITH congestion with this. The pain on and in my nose does not stop. I was taking Sinex for my sinues. Barely helps. Went to my ent and he said I have deviated septum and terminates are inflamed in my nose. He said I should have surgery. It's the 28 of Feb. He never gave me any thing for the pain that does feel like somebody twisted my head with a hammer. I am not allowed to take any meds the week before surgery. They don't care how your feeling. There are days that are unbareable and you know what I feel like doing... thank you for listening to me . This is the only place I can vent. I never asked how I am feeling by my family. So Sad. Jeannie

  • Posted

    Hey Jacko,

    I have been suffering from very similar issues that have lasted about a year, and they started after a really bad sinus infection. Do you remember what helped solve your issues?

    • Posted

      Hi Cole,

      I’ve learnt to deal with my chronic symptoms. Tinnitus, popping and blocked ears. As per my original post from 4 years ago I’ve been dealing with this since 18, I’m 25 next month. 

      In terms of the facial pain etc. I always keep strong anti-inflammatory tablets on hand just in case. These are the only things that help when it occurs and they are prescribed by GP.

      I had CT scans, Brain MRI, camera up my nose twice and nothing was found.

      Only suggestion by ENT was tubes for my ear discomfort but to be totally honest I’ve just learnt to live with it. If it ever gets worse I will try this option. 

      I do smoke as well and when I’ve stopped in the past that seemed to help, I don’t think the cigarettes help. This is certainly not the cause though.

      I would recommend pushing for CT of sinuses and MRI of your head to rule out anything sinitiser. My Dr’s thought it could be a blood vessel issue in my brain or inflammation of the eustopean tube (ears to back of nose) that touches the cranial nerve due to cold/flair up.

      None where ever proven. I can live with the ear issues as long as they don’t get worse. Inflammatory problem preventing drainage in my ears is certainly the cause in some form.

      Push the Dr’s to make sure it’s nothing serious! 

      Sorry I can’t help more.

      Here if you need anything else.

      Jack

  • Posted

    I have the exact same issues and my ENT has no answers except that time will make it feel better! Although I had the whole sinus surgery and it amplified the pain and pressure now! Sound is muffled, they had me do a hearing test and the pressure sensor wouldn’t even work on me. To the point that Dr giving me test tried it in herself and it worked perfect, but when she put it back in my ears nothing!!!! Answers please!!!

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.