Eustachian tube dysfunction - what are the symptoms?

[Megan74]

Is it dizziness? I usually almost always feel like i'm on a boat... it's not a dizziness, but rather balance type just like i'm on a boat... my head always feels like it is full type feels weird... ears plugged usually too... my head almost feels like it is full of mud or something not unable to concentrate or anything but just feels awkward...
Thank you. Best Regards, Megan.

[TuanisMae]

  I feel the same way as some of you have described in your posts...with some ear pressure and popping, especially in one ear...and I’ve had the feeling that I’m “dreaming” (foggy feeling) for about 11 days now.

   I have a Dr. appt. on Thursday...I’m hoping they’ll be able to let me know something as I’m still not 100% sure it’s an ear related issue.  

   This is really starting to take a toll on my life.  If anyone has found a way to get rid of these symptoms I would immensely appreciate any insight.

Thank you very much!!

-Laura

[nickliv1]

Not sure what to do....my 6 year old daughter had an ear infection a year ago..we cleared it up with antibiotics, went back to the doctor for a second check and he claimed it all cleared up. So I was ok. Then she started saying it felt like in one ear it "wasnt popped..like on a plane mommy" so now Im a little worried. I take her back to the doctor for a second look and he claims there is no sign of infection or fluid. She complains 2 days later saying it bothers her cause she feels like "its under water" so i call the docotr again and he says to bring her in again. I did. No sign of fluid or infection. He says to bring her to an ENT for further evaluation. I did. I wasnt happy with him was very quick and to the point but not great bed side manner. They did a hearing test and checked again for fluid. Hearing test perfect and no fluid or infection. My daughter complained again a few days later. So, I found someone else for a second opinion. I loved him and he said the same but recommended an allergy test to see if maybe allergies may be causing an alteration in her eustacian tubes. Im so tired of getting a run around and just want an answer. Allgery tests to be done after the new year but he didnt sound hopeful that this may be what she is complaining of. He said some children have a bent eustacian tube and it takes time to develop and thats what causes the discomfort. some children are more vocal than others. So....now what??? My daughter has to live with discomfort and feeling like shes under water till what??? or when???? please anyone who has an idea of whats going on through similiar situations....help. :( im a mom who is desperate. thanks.

[FLGirl123]

Thanks for the info on your post. I moved to SW Florida a year ago and in the last 3 months started having dizziness, foggy head and anxiety. I had never had this before.
My Dr said i have fluid in the ear also, which is not draining. Nothing has worked as of yet..... nasal steroids, pseudophedrine, guaifenesin, maneuvers, nasal washes.

It has gotten so bad over the 3 months that I can't drive, work, walk down the street. Basically I have no life. Even going to the store is hard as I worry I will pass out. Thank goodness for my wonderful, patient fiance and his support! I don't know how he puts up with me :)

My landlord thinks mold might be the cause but I don't have any respiratory problems and my sinuses are not stuffed. We did find some black mold but not much and it was cleaned up.
I will try the B12 and see if that helps. I will also try the sinus rinse again as I only did it a few times and was worried it would put more fluid in my ears. But right now I'll try anything. I've read a lot of people have success with this.
And there is always moving out of lovely FL, but that is such a big, scary (espensive!) decision, especially if it doesn't help. But if i knew for a fact it would, I'd start packing!

[mars8718]

It could be something as simple as vitamin deficiency or dehydration I do suffer from Otosclerosis and Mineres disease so I do know what everyone is talking about in this forum although I got really bad with anxiety and felt like I was floating worried I was going to pass out. Finally I decided to up my multi vitamins and drink more water and I have felt way better although I do get the other symtoms from the Mineres but I do believe I was lacking viatamins and dehydrated. Something so simple could be worth a try.
Mars1887

[Wryter]

My wife thought I might be drinking too much. Not. But after several years of on-again, off-again "drunk'" symptoms, especially if I got up at night, I finally got some answers. At least for me, this helped.
First, nasal washes. Yep. An ENT strongly urged me to do this, as we live in SW Florida, where the MOLD counts are very high. The washes help a lot!
Then - a blood test for vitamin B12.  Yes, that's right - low levels of B12 often, if not usually, lead to balance problems. My B12 level was 200 - and that's the absolute bottom of the US scale. Under a doc's care, I started taking 1000MCB (note, mcb, NOT mg!) of sublingual B12. The under-tongue meds not only made me feel much more energetic, but also ended my "nighttime drunkenness."
One more note -I've found that certain labels of red wine will bring back the dreaded "drunk" sensation - if I drink more than two or three glasses in the evening.
Bottom line: what works for me may not work for you, but I strongly urge you to get a B12 blood test - or simply try the sublingual B12 - any excess in your system is flushed away in urine.
Hope this helps some of you! (moving away from Florida would certainly help me even more! GRIN)

[kiml236]

I have TMJ and ETD because of it. Both these things together cause serious issues including nervous system disorders. I went to several DR's one of whom put me on allergy shots before finding out the real reason behind all of it. TMJ. I suggest all of you get this checked out. And just for an FYI, I also have had vertigo, dizziness, fullness pain etc. All comes from TMJ which can arise from a number of Different reasons and is typical between child bearing years of women.

Hope this helps-
KIM