It Started With a Cold!

I got a bad cold back in February, and I woke up to severe PT in my left ear that never went away. I have been to 3 different ENTs, had scans and MRIs, and hearing tests. All came back clear, however my hearing is down. I actually have trouble hearing over the PT. I have had only 2 breaks for it in these past 9 months. Both were while taking antibiotics or shortly thereafter, but it came right back within 2 days after the antibiotics both times. The doctors keep telling me that there's not an infection, so why did the help both times? Any and all support and advice would be greatly appreciated. I feel like I'm beginning to lose my mind here, and am pretty miserable.

 

Hi Karen!
I'm not currently on antibiotics. I think I'm having trouble getting any of the Drs to listen to me. They look in there and just say there's not an infection. I have already seen 3 different ENTs, and I'm getting ready to step back and just go see a general practitioner who will actually listen. I too feel the fullness in my ear, along with some pain and hearing loss. One of the ENTs said it was conductive hearing loss, another said that it was neurosensory, so I'm not sure what to believe.
Thanka for letting me vent a little.... You know how it is

 

Thanks Karen!
I was advised on having stapedectomy by ENT #1. The other 2 doctors advised against it.
What is a carotid Doppler? I wish you great success with that! Let us know how it goes!

 

I had a hopeful day today! I met with a new GP that really seemed to be listening to me and what was going on. She too thinks that there is some kind of infection, which is what I've tried to explain to all the other doctors before. I had bloodwork done to test for different bacteria along with Lyme disease, white cell count, etc (which has never been done till today) and in the meantime I go back on antibiotics tomorrow. I'm very hopeful and optimistic that I may begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel here. I know you have suffered a lot longer than the 9 months that I have, and I definitely understand how miserable it is. I'm hoping and praying for some answers for me, and for you also.

 

Hi Amy,

I just wanted to check in with you and see how the new antibiotics have been helping you. Did your T go down? If so, @engineerLA has spoken about possible Eustachian Tube inflammatory issues that might be at play here with your T.

Hope everything is going well!

 

Kaelon, I checked out the threads, and I think we might be on to something here.... Thank you so so much! I had another round of antibiotics last week, some relief but not much... Tried the saltwater flush just now, and I'm already feeling better. Keep your fingers crossed! It's been a long 9 months!

 

Hi there! Just checking in to see how you are doing. My problems are similar to yours…started just after Xmas 2013 - eustachian tube. I'm seeing a new ENT in early January. Have the antibiotics helped? Would love any update thanks!

 

I've had tinnitus since 1978, too close to a cannon firing during my time in the Army. Since then, I have had a high-pitched sound in my (kind of like a smoke detector sound). It comes and goes in severity, usually it is barely noticeable. I got a bad head cold a few days ago, and the tinnitus is back with a vengeance, especially my right ear. My right ear is a little stuffed too (from the cold). I am guessing there is a connection with having the cold and the condition of my tinnitus.