Fluid Build Up In the Ear

[nullarc5]

About two years ago, I got into a bike accident and fractured my temporal bone. There was bleeding in that area, but my ear drum broke and the blood passed through there. In time that healed. However, there was fluid build up in my ear and the hearing in my right ear is no impaired. I went for an MRI (or CT I can't remember which gave the info) and the fluid build up was confirmed. We spoke with an ENT specialist and he said surgery was required in order to remove the fluid. But, when speaking to a very dear friend of my dad, a now 78 year old Radiologist with an incredible amount of experience (still working :), he simply said that all I needed to do was breathe in steam. The steam would travel through my Eustachian Canal, and to the ear. Any fluid that is there  would eventually be flowing down the canal. I've been trying it, and I've noticed that when I breathe the steam, the mucus builds up and I blow my nose to clear it out so I can continue breathing the steam. When I do so, there is a sudden INCREASE in pressure, BUT the hearing in my ear increases dramatically and I can hear amazingly again. However, this is a shortlived experience as when I swallow, the pressure releases and my hearing becomes impaired again. This has been an ongoing cycle and I would like to know if I should continue breathing steam, or if I should undergo surgery. I don't want to do surgery simply because there is the serious risk that I can lose the hearing in my ear. I just turned 16 several weeks ago and for me to lose my hearing now is not something I think I can imagine living with. Any advice is GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Stan

[jubrickner]

It depends on the ENT doc and the severity of the fluid buildup.  I was going deaf around 13 years old so we went for a hearing test.  I had lost 80% of my hearing.  We went to an ENT doc who was very helpful.  He first treated it with anti-bio-tics in case of infection along with anti-histamines.  He also had me popping my ears 3 times a day.  Sounds un-conventional but it worked.  I have never needed surgery and my hearing is fine.  When I get a cold or it's cold outside I can feel pressure, but the pressure is released when I swallow so I guess my channel expanded to where it's constantly draining.   The doc advised me to always wear a hat below 40 or I will constantly have a runny nose and it's not good for my ears.  Also since this treatment I have not had an ear infection or gland infection.  Which was common for me to have every winter and spring since childhood.  Now I just have regular allergies which cause sinus infections, which is not as bad.  See another doctor if you haven't already and get more than one opinion if you are not sure.  Hope this helps.  -Justin-

[ENTMD]

Stan, your father's radiologist friend is probably a very good radiologist and I wouldn't dare question his credentials there.  However, there is a reason why ENT docs do ENT and radiologists do radiology.  If the steam helps you or makes you feel better, by all means, continue.  I know of no evidence to promote that as a cure for your problem, however.

Now, not knowing much about your case, if all the ENT doc is referring to is placing a tube in your ear and/or performing a myringotomy (a common why to get rid of the fluid), then you would have little to fear -- this is a very simple, effective and low-risk procedure.  But again, it is not clear to me what procedure you are specifically considering.