Does Anyone Have Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Along with Their Tinnitus?

My ear issue started with blocked Eustachian tubes. I now have tinnitus along side the blocked ears. The tinnitus is more distressing than the blocked ear but the more gummed up my tubes, the louder the tinnitus. I have tried a lot of things to clear this, nothing is helping. Any ideas? I believe my tube problem started with lifting weights and not breathing properly at times, creating presure. I now do anything excercise related and I'm almost deaf after, and my tinnitus seems to rage out of control from the lack of outside information to the ear.

 

Have you tried a Neti Pot to clear up the Eustachian tube dysfunction?

 

Haven't tried that yet Karl, I think I will give it a shot. Tried steam, steroidal nasal spay, oral decongestants etc. thanks for the suggestion.

 

I also have ETD and i use Nasonex cortisone spray and inhalation a against it occasionally. When my ears are fully blocked my Tonnitus gets louder too. But I must say that also work out almost every day ( mostly abs and cardio comwith little weights) and don't have the problem you're describing after working out. But maybe that's because I don't lift heavy weights?!

 

Do you use the spray if you fly? I haven't flown since T and am quite concerned. I don't really know why I have problems clearing my ears now wih T. And if i am more susceptible to further damage.

ou ou

 

Was that addressed to me? Yes I use spray when flying and also for descending and landing earplane ear plugs. But generally I don't have much trouble with blocked ears while flying - sometimes driving on a highway feels worse and also if the weather changes I have trouble, but with flying not so much.

 

I have sporadic ETD, primarily due to ongoing allergies and sinus problems. I use Flonase daily. I also am really careful about flying now, given barotrauma on a plane flight, due to an undiagnosed sinus infection, caused my tinnitus. If you are concerned about ETD, a doctor can do what's called a tympanic test, to see if your ear drums are functioning properly. Docs also an help determine if your ETD is sporadic, like mine, or ongoing, which might involve more serious remedies like inserting ear tubes.

I think you safely can do the valsalva maneuver (I do it, if I am checking to see if my tubes can open on their own), but only very gently. If you don't get that ear pop after a very gentle blow, do not go any further. You indeed can cause damage. Another helpful method for equalizing when ascending (going up) on a plane flight: Hold your nose and swallow a few times.

Also, be equally careful with the neti pot. While it can be helpful, this method (like syringing) can cause a lot of problems if done incorrectly.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249460.php

Finally, and I warn everyone about this: If you have a sinus or upper respiratory infection, or are having ear pain or trouble equalizing at ground level, DO NOT FLY! You can do substantial damage to your ears in all sorts of ways, from blown ear drums to tinnitus. Commercial flight attendants and pilots are not allowed to fly with infections.

 

I went to an ENT the other day and he said for this ETD problem you should take sudafed and drixine spray.
Nasonex is crap and wont work he said which supprised me.

 

I saw the ENT yesterday and he said my sporadic right ear fullness was probably due to ETD or sinus infection. He checked my ears, nose and throat and saw no sign of infection.

He said to chew gum when it happens, which I did and it went away!! He also wanted me to do valsalva manoeuver but I won't do it because of what I've read on here. He started writing a prescription for ear drops which I declined... I'm also seeing my dentist tomorrow morning to see if it could be related to a tooth infection (I have some pain in a tooth on the right side).

He mentionned 20% of the general population have ETD and also that in my case, it could be anxiety related and I should take some Ativan when too stressed !!

 

Wise decision, I tried doing the valsalva manoever a few years ago, it gave me ultra severe tinnitus for about 6 hours after.....terrifying! Lol.

 

Yes I used this method obsessively after the onset of my T. I didn't know it was making my T worse and worse. Mind you I was doing it too hard.

 

Coul