Relief for blocked ears (Eustchain tubes)

[terry99]

I had ear tubess inserted recently (on Feb. 2, 2010) to help relieve 6 months of ear blockage (no fluids were found by the doctor and I haven't had any ear infections).  My symtoms are now worse.  Anyone else have experience with PE tubes for ear blockage (I'm guessing I have Eustachain tube dysfunction).  More on my background below:

Here is my story: For the past six months I felt blockage in both ears and could not get them to pop.  I've been on 3 different antibiotics, tried prescription nasal sprays, and was also given a medrol pack.  These were all perscribed by an ENT.  The ENT then did a CT scan and said that I had a deviated septum and was also trying to sell me on plastic surgery.   I was turned off by this and went to my primary care doctor who said that sinus surgery seemed extreme since I didn't have any sinus or breathing issues.   I went to another ENT who reviewed all the medications I took and suggested that the PE tubes might give me some relief.  I had PE tubes when I was 7 and didn't have a problem with them so I thought I'd give it a try.  The ENT also said that most people hat get the PE tubes (like pilots and flight attendants) can catch a flight the next day without issue.  It's been two days since my outpatient surgery and my symtoms are tremendously worse.  I felt 'discomfort' with blocked ears prior to PE tubes and post surgery I feel like someone took a sledgehammer to my head.  My ears feel more blocked, my hearing is disorted, and I have some minor pain.  I went to see the dr. the next day and they assigned me to a physician's assistant who said everything looked fine.  The audiologist testing my hearing and said it was fine.  My husband called to try to talk directly to the ENT that did the surgery, however referred us to the PA who gave a lame story about how the instruments used to insert the tube may have irriated my inner ear area.  We asked if  the swelling/blockage would subside, but they didn't answer the question (I think this is when doctors go into 'we don't want to get sued' mode).   I'm not really buying into the insturment story and think at this point ENT's don't really have a good understanding of Eustachain tube dysfunction.   I have a post op appointment with the ENT in two weeks and will let everyone know what they recommend next.  I'm curious if removing the tubes will help. In the meantime I do plan on seeing an allergist, but not sure if this will work either and most likely will look for a 3rd ENT who hopefully has more experience with this.  I felt pretty slighted by my ENT as the PA said only 0.1% of patients have issues after PE tubes are inserted.  If this is the case, I expeted more follow up form my ENT (who is suppose to be one of the best in the country).  I was very disappointed with PE tubes for my situation and regret having them inserted.

My background: I'm 37 and live in Atlanta, GA.  I moved here two years ago from a nothern climate and have minor allergy symtoms in the spring and fall, but I don't consider it to be serious (no lingering sinus issues etc);  I've just had blocked ears for the past 6 months (Sept 2009-Feb 2010).  Other than that I'm perferctly healthy with no serious medical issues (except hypothyroid which I feel is under control with a small dose of levothyroxine) and I don't drink or smoke, I eat well, and exercise regularly.

Good luck to everyone with ETD and I hope we can all figure something out.

[DavidJC67]

This is an old post but just wondered if your symptons went away. I started with an ear infection and now my have that clogged up feeling in my ears. the ENT say I have issue with my ETD and negative pressure. He said ear tubes may be needed.  Please let me know how your turned out. Thanks.

[Danitza]

Hi Terry, how did it go with you after you posted this question? did your post myringotomy condition improve? I had tubes insterted earlier today and my ears feel more clogged than before, and am hearing noises. Would appreciate any insights.

Thank you,
Danitza