Seeing an ENT for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Should I Decline All Tests?

[eve123]

I've read about people experiencing an increase in tinnitus from tests performed at the ENT. Is there any test I can safely do? How else would they be able to determine if it's Eustachian tube dysfunction without running any tests?

I want to be prepared. My appointment is in six months (I'm in Canada), but I've been considering going to the USA, since I called around and found that some ENTs there have openings within a week.

I can already imagine they'll be upset with me for refusing certain tests.

I don't have any hearing loss. I can still hear a pin drop in the next room, LOL.

 

[Varda]

They will definitely want to perform a Tympanometry. That is the standard test for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. Most people seem to tolerate it well, but I was not comfortable with the sound and the vibrating sensation it caused.

The test I strongly recommend avoiding at all costs is the acoustic reflex test. That one gave me a new crickets-like tone for a couple of months, and it has made many others here permanently worse.

They should be able to gather some information by visually inspecting the eardrum to check for signs of pressure or fluid buildup.

What symptoms are you experiencing?

 

[eve123]

Well, one office I spoke to won't see me unless I first take a hearing test in their clinic.

I had one done six months ago in Canada, and my hearing is perfect.

Symptoms: There's pressure in my ear, and I've always had odd Eustachian tubes. I can yawn, and they get stuck closed. When that happens, I hear everything as muffled until I yawn a few more times, and then they unblock. But I've never felt this kind of pressure pain inside before. It feels like someone is pressing a finger into my ear.

Strangely, it started with a swimmer's ear infection in one ear. That's when I first felt this deep pressure pain, which then started in the other ear as well. I thought the infection was spreading, but a regular doctor looked in my ears and said the canals looked fine—no infection. So maybe it triggered my ETD? I'm not sure. Everything I've read about ETD says it's usually triggered by colds and similar issues.

The pressure changes too—sometimes it's more intense, sometimes less. I haven't experienced any hearing loss. It's the same issue with yawning: the tubes get stuck, and I hear muffled sounds until they finally equalize.

I once tried to relieve it by lightly popping one nostril—closing one side and blowing gently out. I never did both sides at the same time. It popped, but then the pressure returned after about 10 seconds.

 

[Varda]

If you have already had a doctor examine you and there is nothing visibly wrong, there is probably not a whole lot they can do.

It's possible the infection sensitized some nerve cells, which could be causing your pain.

If you are sometimes able to equalize the pressure in your ears, I think that's a good sign. There are times when I go a month or more without being able to equalize, but luckily my ETD always improves after a while.

You may be heading toward Eustachian tube balloon dilation, so it might help to read up on that thread:

Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation for ETD: Ask Me Anything

 

[kingsfan]

They will definitely want to perform a Tympanometry. That is the standard test for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. Most people seem to tolerate it well, but I was not comfortable with the sound and the vibrating sensation it caused.

The test I strongly recommend avoiding at all costs is the acoustic reflex test. That one gave me a new crickets-like tone for a couple of months, and it has made many others here permanently worse.

They should be able to gather some information by visually inspecting the eardrum to check for signs of pressure or fluid buildup.

What symptoms are you experiencing?

It has been a while, but I do not recall there being any sound during tympanometry, only pressure.

 

[eve123]

I read some concerning things about balloon dilation, including the risk that it can leave the eustachian tube stuck open (patulous?).

Someone else warned against the following procedures:

Acoustic Reflex, VEMP, ECOG, Tympanometry, Microsuction, Ear Syringing, Caloric Test, and others.

Apparently, all of these should be avoided.

Isn't that basically everything?

So, should I not let the ENT do anything at all?

My appointment is in the United States next week.

Can anyone offer advice?

 

[Varda]

Isn't that basically everything?

So, should I not let the ENT do anything at all?

Allow the ENT to visually inspect the eardrum and see if it looks like it is inflamed, pressurized or has fluid build up.