I am allergic to dust mites and my ears are giving me problems. They crackle when I swallow and the pressure is terrible at times because of the ETD. I've tried steroid nasal sprays and antihistamines but nothing seems to work. I think the ear tubes are my last resort. Does anyone know of any other thing that might work besides the tubes? Has anyone had the tubes done?
Please let me know because I can't take the pressure.
Thanks
Nick

Have you tried irrigation?

No I haven't but I will give it a try. My ears are popping all day and it's driving me nuts.
Nick

I have the same problem as you. My doctor said that it's ETD as well. I also have pulsating tinninitus that just about drives me crazy. I'm still really trying to figure out if mine is related to TMJ. It seems that most of my problems started after my braced came off in last October. I have been dealing with this for 9 months and it is really starting to take a toll on me.

Someone recommended using Sinutab Decongestion and I have been using that and it does seem to help relieve some of the pressure but I still have the pulsating tinninitus (only when I turn my head in a certain direction).

My doctor also told me that my ear drum is retracted probably due to ETD. Not sure what to do about that he really didn't give me an answer.

Hope you start to feel better

I gargle with warm salt water and take Sudafed for the congestion (sinus/ears) or Benadryl if I get itchy, sneeze, eyes tear. Saline spray/gel, A humidifier and air filter helps at night. Keep hydrated, Chamomile tea with lemon, :bouncing: If my ear pain does not ease up a half hour after taking Sudafed I will take Tylenol 8hr extended release but no more then that.
I use menthol rub (a tiny amount) and rub on upper chest (by collar bone).
I don't keep any plants indoors. There are mite proof mattress covers out there and they are costly. Frequent linen changes and keeping dust in check will help. Feel better. G

sudafed is a good one.
My daughter had terrible trouble with eustachian tube dysfuction until she stareted on inhalers for her asthma. She hasn't had any trouble since.
Try it, failing that it's probably grommets.

Thanks for all your replies.

I saw my ENT specialist today and he switched my nasal spray from Nasonex to Nasocort. He also put me on an antihistamine called Arieus for 2-3 weeks. I'm going to give this a try and if it doesn't work it's ear tubes for me.
I really don't want them but I don't know what else to do.
I do have the dust mite covers on my mattress but we have carpet in our house. The funny thing is I'm in the carpet business and have been for many years. This year I found out I was allergic to dust mites. Every time I'm in the store I feel terrible until I leave.
I'm just wondering if taking the nasal spray and going to the carpet store is why I'm not healing quick. Maybe it's best to stay away from all the dust. The ENT specialist said to stay away from the store for 2 weeks.

Nick

I went to bare floors myself that are washed down with diluted oil soap (and does not irritate nasal passages). Using a bagless vac with a hepafilter. When dusting use a face mask and a dampened towel cloth to catch it rather then kick it up (if you do the cleaning). It sounds like chronic exposure to the carpets is the main culprit. You could try wearing a mask that covers the nose and mouth while you are exposed. I flush the nasal passages (head-face over sink) with saline spray prior to application of the spray. :blob_fire That way the allergens trapped in the hair and mucous lining are flushed away rather then into the system. Rami duster for the car dash etc. It's harder with the dry heat. Makes the body's defense work harder. Keep up on liquids to thin out secretions. Avoid keeping paper materials around. If you have a pet with fur (not hair) there is a natural solution sold in pet stores that removes pet dander.

If you can avoid dust definately do. If you can take the time from work to get this under control do so. Better to take 2 weeks then long term time due to flare ups. A win - win. I hope that medication works for you. Let us know how your doing. Feel better G

I went to bare floors myself that are washed down with diluted oil soap (and does not irritate nasal passages). Using a bagless vac with a hepafilter. When dusting use a face mask and a dampened towel cloth to catch it rather then kick it up (if you do the cleaning). It sounds like chronic exposure to the carpets is the main culprit. You could try wearing a mask that covers the nose and mouth while you are exposed. I flush the nasal passages (head-face over sink) with saline spray prior to application of the spray. :blob_fire That way the allergens trapped in the hair and mucous lining are flushed away rather then into the system. Rami duster for the car dash etc. It's harder with the dry heat. Makes the body's defense work harder. Keep up on liquids to thin out secretions. Avoid keeping paper materials around. If you have a pet with fur (not hair) there is a natural solution sold in pet stores that removes pet dander.

If you can avoid dust definately do. If you can take the time from work to get this under control do so. Better to take 2 weeks then long term time due to flare ups. A win - win. I hope that medication works for you. Let us know how your doing. Feel better G
Thanks for the info Gemi.
Have you heard of NAET? It is an allergy elimination program that I started today. It is suppose to make your brain not put up danger signs when you get near an allergen. I'll let you know how it goes. I heard great things about NAET so I decided to give it a try. Ever wonder why some people are allergic to somethings like dust and other people aren't. It's the brain sending signals that there is a danger here. The brain can be retrained so that there is no danger.
Nick

ps: A while back Flonase helped-it's Rx. I briefly read on it-it looks like a scam. Take Care, G

I have the same problem as you. My doctor said that it's ETD as well. I also have pulsating tinninitus that just about drives me crazy. I'm still really trying to figure out if mine is related to TMJ. It seems that most of my problems started after my braced came off in last October. I have been dealing with this for 9 months and it is really starting to take a toll on me.

Someone recommended using Sinutab Decongestion and I have been using that and it does seem to help relieve some of the pressure but I still have the pulsating tinninitus (only when I turn my head in a certain direction).

My doctor also told me that my ear drum is retracted probably due to ETD. Not sure what to do about that he really didn't give me an answer.

Hope you start to feel better

Hi,
I just thought I would let you know why your eardrum is retracted. This retraction is how your dr. knows that you have ETD. It is basiclly a suction effect that pulls your drum in when pressure is greater in the inner ear. If you plug your nose and swallow it will have the same effect the opposite will happen when you plug your nose and blow(gently please) when you do this the eardums will protrude or blow ******d. Your ET's are normally closed and open to equalize pressure with ETD the tubes dont open or work properly thus causing suction due to unequalized pressures. This pressure can make your ears feel full, it can even cause dizziness. A lot of things can cause your ET's to not work properly, allergies, TMJD, common cold, acid reflux.

One thing I would like to say is anyone who wants or thinks that tubes will help there ETD, it is just temopary. Once the tube falls out and the drum heals it will be back that is unless the problem is fixed while the tubes are in. A good ENT would not consider puting tubes in rather find what is causing the prob. A good ENT is hard to find. Keep in mind that the drum is there to protect the inner ear from infection and when a tube is put in it is no longer protected.

Hope this helps you understand better.

Derek

Hi,
I just thought I would let you know why your eardrum is retracted. This retraction is how your dr. knows that you have ETD. It is basiclly a suction effect that pulls your drum in when pressure is greater in the inner ear. If you plug your nose and swallow it will have the same effect the opposite will happen when you plug your nose and blow(gently please) when you do this the eardums will protrude or blow ******d. Your ET's are normally closed and open to equalize pressure with ETD the tubes dont open or work properly thus causing suction due to unequalized pressures. This pressure can make your ears feel full, it can even cause dizziness. A lot of things can cause your ET's to not work properly, allergies, TMJD, common cold, acid reflux.

One thing I would like to say is anyone who wants or thinks that tubes will help there ETD, it is just temopary. Once the tube falls out and the drum heals it will be back that is unless the problem is fixed while the tubes are in. A good ENT would not consider puting tubes in rather find what is causing the prob. A good ENT is hard to find. Keep in mind that the drum is there to protect the inner ear from infection and when a tube is put in it is no longer protected.

Hope this helps you understand better.

Derek

Thanks a lot Derek. I really don't want to put the tubes in. I think my problem is allergy related. I'm allergic to dust mites. I'm taking the nasal spray Nasacort and an antihistamine. My ears are constantly crackling and popping when I swallow. It's so annoying. I also have ear pressure after a car ride.
Any suggestions?
Nick

Thanks for the info Gemi.
Have you heard of NAET? It is an allergy elimination program that I started today. It is suppose to make your brain not put up danger signs when you get near an allergen. I'll let you know how it goes. I heard great things about NAET so I decided to give it a try. Ever wonder why some people are allergic to somethings like dust and other people aren't. It's the brain sending signals that there is a danger here. The brain can be retrained so that there is no danger.
Nick
How is the NAET program going? Just wondering. I've been reading up on it... just received the book that they suggest. Sounds too good to be true.. Thanks.

How is the NAET program going? Just wondering. I've been reading up on it... just received the book that they suggest. Sounds too good to be true.. Thanks.

I don't think it really helped. I had a second allergy test done 2 months after NAET and I'm still allergic to dustmites. I'm going to see my naturopath next week to see if there is any part of NAET we didn't complete.

Nick S

I don't think it really helped. I had a second allergy test done 2 months after NAET and I'm still allergic to dustmites. I'm going to see my naturopath next week to see if there is any part of NAET we didn't complete.

Nick S

Hi Nick, It has been a while. Did you ever get tubes put in? Did you ever find out your problem? Does your problem cause you lightheadedness and spaciness? I had an MRI done and it showed my right maxillery sinus closed. My new doc presribed Tequin 400mg and sudafed and 9 days later I still feel the same. I am begining to think I will never feel normal again. I have felt this way since the begining of July 2003. I have had anxiety probs since I was 12, not bad just in certain situations but this add to the anxiety and has kept me from work beside it is pretty hard to work on a ladder when you are dizzy.

Derek

Hi Nick, It has been a while. Did you ever get tubes put in? Did you ever find out your problem? Does your problem cause you lightheadedness and spaciness? I had an MRI done and it showed my right maxillery sinus closed. My new doc presribed Tequin 400mg and sudafed and 9 days later I still feel the same. I am begining to think I will never feel normal again. I have felt this way since the begining of July 2003. I have had anxiety probs since I was 12, not bad just in certain situations but this add to the anxiety and has kept me from work beside it is pretty hard to work on a ladder when you are dizzy.

Derek
Hi Derek
Yes I did get the tubes in and it really helped with the pressure. I still have the problem with my ears crackling when I swallow (ETD). I had BPPV for 3 months but it's completely gone. I'm thinking about trying other techniques to get rid of this cracking. I heard that a sauna will help with ETD. It's frustrating trying to figure out the solution to these problems. Derek what problems are you experiencing still?
Don't worry we'll figure out how to beat this. If I find something out I'll let you know.

Nick S

Hi Derek
Yes I did get the tubes in and it really helped with the pressure. I still have the problem with my ears crackling when I swallow (ETD). I had BPPV for 3 months but it's completely gone. I'm thinking about trying other techniques to get rid of this cracking. I heard that a sauna will help with ETD. It's frustrating trying to figure out the solution to these problems. Derek what problems are you experiencing still?
Don't worry we'll figure out how to beat this. If I find something out I'll let you know.

Nick S

Did it really help that much? Iwas considering asking my doctor about this, although for the most part my ETD is controlled with antihistamines and inhaled steroids. But when i'm sick or during allergy season..NOTHING helps whatsoever! I thought I was the only person that had ETD from allergies..and I wasn't sure that tubes would help..but thats good to hear there is a more permanent solution other than daily meds.

I don't think it really helped. I had a second allergy test done 2 months after NAET and I'm still allergic to dustmites. I'm going to see my naturopath next week to see if there is any part of NAET we didn't complete.

Nick S
Thanks for your feedback. How many treatments did you get? I am also allergic to dust mites. I think that is what's causing my sinus inflammation. I did get a air purifier, which helped a lot, but I was hoping to find something better rather than "avoidance." Allergy shots take too long, with seemingly mininmal results, according to some people that have taken them. I was hoping NAET would be the answer... it's rather expensive, so thought I'd get some feedback from customers outside of the "success stories" on their website, before starting. THey told me that first they treat the food allergies and build up your immune system for the first 10-12 visits, then work on stuff like airborne allergies (such as dust mites, etc). Let me know if you continue, and if things get better. Thanks!

I am allergic to dust mites and my ears are giving me problems. They crackle when I swallow and the pressure is terrible at times because of the ETD. I've tried steroid nasal sprays and antihistamines but nothing seems to work. I think the ear tubes are my last resort. Does anyone know of any other thing that might work besides the tubes? Has anyone had the tubes done?
Please let me know because I can't take the pressure.
Thanks
Nick

Have they given you a medrol pac to use? It is a type of prednisone that helps for a short time. I ended up having sinus surgery to correct the problem and use herbal remedies and nose sprays. I occasionally will need to take 800 mg motrin if the pressure gets bad during allergy season, but so far so good. Oh The last ENT I saw told me to stop taking any antihistamines. They can dry the mucus in the eustation tubes and actually make the condition worse. I wish the first 3 ENTs I saw would have told me that! You might want to try Xlear, it is an all natural saline spray containing grapefruitseed extract and Xylitol. It really helped me. I have heard positive things about the ear tubes, but I didn't end up having them done. Hope this helps.

Halo

Thanks a lot Derek. I really don't want to put the tubes in. I think my problem is allergy related. I'm allergic to dust mites. I'm taking the nasal spray Nasacort and an antihistamine. My ears are constantly crackling and popping when I swallow. It's so annoying. I also have ear pressure after a car ride.
Any suggestions?
Nick


Hi,
What bothdrops suggested was what an ENT suggested I do (along with meds). It sounded crazy, quackish so I went home and looked it up first (all I need to do is rupture an eardrum) and there is such a thing, medically termed but don't remember what it's called. The thought behind it is to redistribute air pressure and help relieve those sensations, pop, crackle, pressure etc. I remember car rides like that and hen I fly, I do the same thing. I have problems with it (now too) but am too congested with headache for it to work. With me it works when congestion is mild. It won't correct congestion but will redistribute the air. How is the new medicine working?

My son is 18 yrs old and has had t tubes in his ears since he was 4. ENT says that he has a retracted ear drum and he will be wearing a hearing aid by his early 20's. AA hearing test hurts his ears. He said that his Eustachian Tubes dont function properly and that he was born like that. His last surgery was this pass summ and the Dr. took tubes out and put patches in. Now my son has another ear infection and is on antibotics and decongestant. The Dr says there is no hope for my son. He even had the sinus surgery roto rooter done(opening of the nose) to help. He was in major pain and it did not help at all.
Anyone else with these problems. I need some help here.
Any suggestions.
Thanks

My ears pop all the time, it drives me crazy!! I dont have any ear ache but everytime i go to dr. i have fluid in my ears but he dont seem concerned.