Tinnitus and Terrible Pressure in Eustachian Tubes After a Viral Infection in Lymph Node

I' a 48-year-old female from the UK, with tinnitus and constant Eustachian tube pressure.

Doctors are not hopeful. I have had 4 GP visits (1 over telephone) / 2 ENT visits (with numerous tests) self-funded (wait list for NHS 6 months).

It all started when I had a viral infection in my right lymph node. I was left with terrible pressure in Eustachian tubes, and high to low pitched ringing in both ears (right one is constant, left intermittent).

Some days are better than others. Today I could just scream. "Medical experts" are as useful as a chocolate tea pot. I have now been signed off from the ENT, advised to go back to GP (for counseling if I feel the need). There is no medicine that releases the pressure. Frustrating, but just shows that the medical industry haven't got a clue.

So back to my own investigation and research for myself. Any information anyone has would be most welcome.

Many thanks,
Nita

 

I am from Northern Ireland so I am subject to the same healthcare system as you. I have had ETD since November 2022. Some days are bad, some are ok, and some I can manage as normal.

I have everything you mention, plus crackling and popping (like a crisp packet sound rattling when I yawn).

 

Have you tried 10 mg of Sudafed? In the United States, you can get 10 mg over the counter. I would try it if you haven't already. It is a decongestant. Please stay away from the sprays. They can cause a spike in your tinnitus.

 

A recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel has concluded that over-the-counter (OTC) oral phenylephrine is ineffective as a nasal decongestant.

Sudafed sales and others with this ingredient only lines the pockets of the pharmacological industry.

Don't waste your money.

 

It's a bit more nuanced than that: there are 2 kinds of "Sudafed" for congestion. One of them has been the target of the FDA's advisory. As far as I can tell, the other one (which requires showing ID to the pharmacist) has not been deemed to be ineffective.

This matches my experience as well: the good stuff would always work for me, but the other OTC stuff would not. I stopped buying that one a long time ago.

More info here.

Do you have a source for that statement? I'm curious because I've been using sprays for a long time as needed, and never noticed any change in my tinnitus. Of course, nothing ever changes my tinnitus, so there's that.

 

Long-term use of nasal sprays can cause side effects, including ear ringing. I won't use any of them as they cause a spike, especially Afrin. My Eustachian tube is sensitive to sprays.

I buy the 30 mg SUDAFED, cut them in half, and only use them when needed.

 

Good stuff. I stand corrected.