Immediate Relief from Eustachian Tube Dilation: Why Did the Tinnitus Began Again? ETD?

Hello all,

This is my first post on this forum. Firstly I just want to say that I'm very glad it exists. I have a peculiar case and would be glad to hear if anyone has had a similar experience.

My tinnitus started about 6 months ago, cause unknown. Tinnitus scares me to death and has for several years, so I take care not to expose myself to loud noises. Given my caution, I suspect my tinnitus is caused by something other than acoustic trauma.

For several months prior to its onset, I had been suffering from bad post nasal drip. I was taking Azelastine to help reduce it. As soon as the tinnitus started, I saw a doctor. I was prescribed medication to further reduce allergy symptoms, as the doctor believed my tinnitus was likely caused by fluid build-up in the ears. Took several medications, no relief for either the post-nasal drip or the ringing

Fast forward a few months and several ENT appointments later, it turns out I had a deviated septum. A few days ago I got surgery to have this corrected. I also got a balloon sinoplasty and eustachian tube dilation, since my ears had been clicking and popping unevenly and felt kind of tight (not sure how else to describe it). Much to my delight, the procedure was a success! For several days, my tinnitus was practically gone.

Nothing gold can stay, unfortunately, and yesterday both the ringing and the post-nasal drip started up again. Badly. I was told by my dr that sometimes it can take several weeks after the procedure before I begin to notice improvement. However, I felt immediate relief after the eustachian tube dilation, so I am at a loss as to why the tinnitus began again.

I think it's interesting that its re-emergence coincided with a return of bad post-nasal drip as well. The few days of tinnitus relief I had after my eustachian tubes were dilated gives me some hope that eustachian tube dysfunction is indeed the cause of my tinnitus, I just don't know if this hope is misplaced. Has anyone else had a similar experience? If so, what did you do about it?

 

Thanks for sharing that! I've been reading about ET dilation, but haven't heard anything positive about it. Did insurance cover it?

 

My insurance did cover it since I had already met my deductible. Also it was done in conjunction with my septoplasty and balloon sinoplasty, which may have made it easier to get coverage

 

That's great! Someone told me otherwise, but it probably depends on the situation.