Hello. For the past several years I have had some form of eustachian tube dysfunction. Basically, my ear (particularly my right one) never feels like it's fully open. I constantly feel like I need to pop it - only blowing air through it provides relief for only a second and it drops right back to the same place. In addition, I can always hear a crackling sound when I swallow.

I have gotten used to these symptoms and been told to "live with it" by the 488 doctors I've seen (an exaggeration but not by much), but several times over the past 3-4 years it temporarily gets worse to the point that they feel totally sucked in and I can't even temporarily pop them. It normally happenes in the spring and lasts for days or weeks until they slowly return to "normal." Sometimes prednisone helps and sometimes it doesn't. Anyway, I am coming off the flu/bad cold and now this has happened again. The last couple of days my ET's have begun to feel completely blocked again and trying to hold my nose and blow does nothing to help. I guess the sinus pressure from the cold did something to cause them to close up.

Does anyone else have experience with these symptoms or have treatments/remedies outside the norm that I may have overlooked?

Thank you in advance for any help/ideas you may have.

(For further background:
* I had a septoplasty last year and we were hoping that would help but it doesn't appear to have helped this problem,
* My doctor is reluctant to insert a tube into my ear b/c my hearing is near perfect and he doesn't want to take any risks.
* No vertigo or dizziness
* No pain
* Have tried afrin, every decongestant & nasal spray
* No problems hearing)

Bravado,
During my mid twenties I started being bothered by this sensation that my ears were severly plugged along with the sensation that my neck glands or neck muscles were tightening slightly "pinching" my wind pipe. I never felt like I was suffocating, it was just very irritating and uncomfortable. I tried decongestants etc and visited about 5 specialists. I realized that the symptoms were worse from July through September. Everyone said they couldn't find anything wrong. I finally tried my FAMILY doctor. I told him I was at my wits end. I felt awful and nobody could find a problem. He said "I think you've got an allergy". I didn't believe it was that simple ( I had never had any allergies) but he put me on an antihistamine (Tavist) and the symptoms were relieved. After 5 or 6 years the symptoms all but vanished. I still feel them sometimes in the summer but I think I've "outgrown" the allergy. I'm no doctor but you might try an OTC antihistamine like Claratin or Tavist. Hope it all works out for you.

Mark

HI- I just read your post- and I just added (new member myself)-can relate to you- hope we can help each other
I have been to so many ent Dr's-they tell me I have seasonal allergies, eustachian tube dysfunction- I now have a problem from a recent airplane flight- but I also can get the same thing if I catch a cold- fullness in ears,popping sounds, clogging- stuffed nose- so uncomfortable- tried sudafed-take Nasacort spray 2 times a day- use nasal irrigationw/ salt water &baking soda(my Dr told me about this)- it feels like I have water sloshing around -and when I swallow I hear crinkling sounds-(only when I swallow)-My Dr. never finds any fluid-I have been there every timethis happens- which is alot. I sometimes get postional vertigo- have had exercises given to me for this- God- there seems to be no relief. Anyone else have this- what do you do? Please help

HI- I just read your post- and I just added (new member myself)-can relate to you- hope we can help each other
I have been to so many ent Dr's-they tell me I have seasonal allergies, eustachian tube dysfunction- I now have a problem from a recent airplane flight- but I also can get the same thing if I catch a cold- fullness in ears,popping sounds, clogging- stuffed nose- so uncomfortable- tried sudafed-take Nasacort spray 2 times a day- use nasal irrigationw/ salt water &baking soda(my Dr told me about this)- it feels like I have water sloshing around -and when I swallow I hear crinkling sounds-(only when I swallow)-My Dr. never finds any fluid-I have been there every timethis happens- which is alot. I sometimes get postional vertigo- have had exercises given to me for this- God- there seems to be no relief. Anyone else have this- what do you do? Please help


I have the exact same symptoms. Ear fullness has not been as bad as it was 4 months or so ago. I still feel it but not as unconfortable. now te most annoygin this has to be the Clicking sounds when swallowing. for me that is how it started, the sounds that is. Would only click/crackle when i swallowed, but now i can make that sound at will. it is annoying as hell... Ct scan revealed that i have cronic sinusitis, mean while i never had a problem with my sinuses. They barely ever felt clogged up unless i had a cold. But now if i get a cold the first thing to happen is my ears get clogged up...I as well get vertigo sometimes. been much better the last 3 months.

Anyways i took aomoxicilin clav for 2 weeks, now folowed by Biaxin XL for another 2 weeks. Doc said to use Cortisteroid spray twice a day for 3 months and nasal saline washes twice a day as well for 3 months.

Been 3 weeks and no sign of improovements. It is my understanding that sinusitis causes fluid to build up and it backs up into the Euthacian tubes and hence why you will hear those crickling sounds, it is actually the walls of the tubes touching each other and the liquid in between causing the crackling. Kinda wetting your lips, puttin them together and then seperating, the saliva will make a sound, same happens in the ear,

I am 26 and have been like this for a year, seen 2 ENT's and GP and so far nothing.. i am going to follow the ENT's directions for 3 months and then see what he says when it didn't work...

Best thing to do is keep busy and not think about it as much. if you smoke stop, i smoke and I can tell that smoking makes it much worse...

Paul- I am so glad you got back to me- it sounds like we are twins.(with this ear business) I am going on 2 flights- one in may and one in june, and i am shaking just thinking about it. I am seeing a new dr. this afternoon3/18- about the 10th Dr. I have seen over all the years w/ this- about 20-who knows what he will offer- so far my zyrtecD has done nothing much- or my nose sprays- How do you irrigate your nose ( i am curiuos- so people say w/ nose syringe? Let me know- I will let you know how I make out w/ this Dr.- right now I have no dizziness- but feel so loggy- and my nose is so big time stuffed- oh well- will be in touch. Red

Paul- I am so glad you got back to me- it sounds like we are twins.(with this ear business) I am going on 2 flights- one in may and one in june, and i am shaking just thinking about it. I am seeing a new dr. this afternoon3/18- about the 10th Dr. I have seen over all the years w/ this- about 20-who knows what he will offer- so far my zyrtecD has done nothing much- or my nose sprays- How do you irrigate your nose ( i am curiuos- so people say w/ nose syringe? Let me know- I will let you know how I make out w/ this Dr.- right now I have no dizziness- but feel so loggy- and my nose is so big time stuffed- oh well- will be in touch. Red

I fly 3 times a year, and the first flight after htis started when i got off the plane it felt like whole head was going to explode.. The pressure all over was just too much. Got to europe on Friday and spent sunday in the hospital...Went to an ENT there, he said sinuses problems, and ETD game me meds and a shot in the bum ... Gave me a baloon and told me to blow and let it deflate inwards. Said that by doing this that it would get my ET's working again and eventually the ear drum would stabilize and the pressure would go away.. Well didn't help much and I just felt like crap for the next 2 months. Contant pressure in the ears. On the flight back, the altitude actually helped, during decent my ears poped and man what a relief, after i landed I even went out and partied a bit with friends. it is the only normal day I remember since this whole thing started. The following day the pressure came back, went to see ENT gave me pills don't remember what it was, and nasal spray. Didn't make much of a diff, I traveled 2 more times after both being 4 hour flights each unlike the 7 hour flight to europe. Anyways i would feel the pressure build up but once the ear poped it was OK. However the pop was not a normal pop like before it was pop with crackling, like i was sucking the last drops of a juice can though a straw.. I am flying again this year at least 2 times, and don;t think it will make much of a diff.

For me the wrost part about all this is the pressure i get in my head,ears but worst of it all is hte damn crickling sounds.

As for the nasal wash I got it from my ENT, {removed} But honestly have not notice much improvement with any of the meds/ rinses/washes given so far.

After i am done this round of meds and sinus rinses an so on i plan on seeing about TMJ, simply cuz it can cause the same symptons and since i do clinch my teeth while i sleep there is a possibility. Do you clinch ?? Under stress?

I thought I wrote this some time ago and forgot I had written it! What you have described is me exactly...

Clogged ears, crackling at will, ear infections, muffled hearing, I have it all. I fear flying. I had sinus surgery a few years ago, but my ENT said at the time that the surgery most likely would not help my ears. And it hasn't. I have in my arsenal of defenses sudafed, claritin, rhinocort, saline nasal rinse (which I highly recommend), too many vitamins, and an air purifier in my bedroom.

I am currently enduring a battery of allergy tests and injections (seasonal and year round), so I will let you know how that works out. It may take some time...

My ENT wants me to consider ear tubes. He states it will relieve most of my ear symptoms. If anyone has experience with ear tubes (as an adult), I would appreciate the input! If I do proceed with this, it wouldn't be until the fall, and I could report back then.

Good luck in your pursuit of healthy ears!

Hi everyone, have been reading all about the symptoms yo're experiencing and the difficulties you have had in getting to the source of your ear problems.

Look up the symptoms of a 'patulous eustachian tube' and see if any of these can actually describe more clearly the symptoms that you are having. I found this so called 'rare condition' described many of the symptoms I was experiencing after yeras of seeing many different ENT's and getting nowhere.

All the best. ccc.

:) Hello Ken, like you I have been having eustachian tube problems for nine months. I had an ear infection in November of last year which seems to have damaged the tube in some way. Since then I have had four more infections and the tube problem still exists. I have tried various steroids, decongestants, inhaling steam etc but nothing seems to totally relieve the symptoms and then I take another infection and it starts all over again. I have developed tinnitus in my ear also and am hoping when my ear eventually returns to normal this will subside. I have been to two private ent surgeons and both have said that after nine months and the problem is still ongoing then the only remedy is to insert a grommet in my ear as if the ear was going to settle it would have done in the time passed already. I also have an enlarged tonsill which gives me problems a couple of times a year. I went to see ent surgeon today and he has now confirmed that I should be put on his waiting list to get my tonsills out and the grommet inserted at the same time. He thinks this will remedy the situation. After nine long months of pain and discomfort I feel relieved that a decision has been made. He has said inserting the grommet is minor surgery, its taking the tonsills out that will be the main source of pain. Do you have any problems with your throat which could be causing the etd trouble? I know from speaking to people on this site that etd problems can last for a very long time and I think it really depends on how bad it is whether you can go with it until is resolves or medically intervene. After 9 months I have decided enough of all this and have my fingers crossed it goes ok. I think you should try everthing medically possible before thinking about surgery but sometimes it is the only way forward. Ear infections can seriously damage your ear eventually.

Andrea

Thanks for your input, Andrea.

My ENT has never mentioned my tonsils as a potential problem. It is something I will ask about in the future. I look forward to hearing of your experience with the tonsil surgery and ear tube inserts. I am still thinking of this fall to get ear tubes inserted if my symptoms have not improved.

I completely sympathize with what you are going through! I wish you the best with your surgery!!

Ken

tonsils. Very interesting...I wonder if thats my problem.

I have just about the same symptoms as you lot. Had it for 3 years now - following a wisdom tooth extraction and my dentist insists its coincidential.

Can get dry air up through my eustachian tube when driving if I exercise my jaw in a certain way.

Sometimes it feels more plugged up than usual and to relieve this I find that inhaling boiling water in a big saucepan with a towel over my head, about 3 times (everytime it cools) does help clear all the mucus. Its like a big lump is stuck in the back of my throat and I have to choke to try and get rid of it. I occasionally feel a crusty sensation between my jaw and neck. When its rainy outside it feels like a little worm wiggling around inside my ear.

Any of you sleeping well? Since I've had this I feel like I'm only getting half sleep. I don't have any strength to exercise I wish I could sleep like I used to.

HairyDog, whats sleep? Its been so long since I had a full nights sleep I dont remember now how good it feels. I dont have any problem getting off to sleep but always wake up during the night with the tinnitus going mad in my ear. Im so tired and run down because of this. I have lost three stone in weight since this all started and sometimes dont think I will ever be myself again. Do you have tinnitus along with your symptoms? Its this dreadful noise that distresses me the most. Its like a nightmare that never seems to end. At the moment Im trying to clear my ear constantly since the last ear infection a few weeks ago. Its like the tubes are stuck together and I cant get the air up them and then suddenly its like something bursts apart and I can hear and then it seals back up. Do you have this problem. Any ideas on how I can improve the eustachian tube function?

Andrea:confused:

I think you are in a far worse state than me. I don't experience any tinnitus.

Have you tried acupuncture for that? It never helped my condition but for tinnitus it might. I didn't find ear candling worked either.

Also do you try the steam inhalation exercise to disenfect the airway of catarrh and blockage? I've spent over an hour in a sauna and steam room too but the direct steam inhalation from a bowl works more effectively.

Try this old home remedy - go to bed with a peeled garlic clove taped inside your ears. The powerful odour helps clear the airways.

I am waiting for allergy testing next to see if there is something I am unaware of in my every day life that is causing this not to clear up. Certain foods, I have come to notice, seem to inflame my middle-ear / stimulate it as such so I can't even drop off to sleep. Chocolate is a big no no..as is crisps, peanuts, milk, and pizza. I went for over ten weeks trying to avoid gluten, milk and wheat. It was very difficult though and I don't think it made a difference.

I have the same problem with first my right ear feeling clogged all the time now both ears feel that way. ents have not been much help nor has my regular doctor, she tells me this is anxiety disorder and wants to give me meds for that. Iknow that is not the problem, ents find no fluid in the ear and no wax buildup. Its been almost two years now, christmas is coming and I am still miserable, out of a lot of money and no help in sight. If anyone has an idea pleaselet me know. Miserable

I have the same problem with first my right ear feeling clogged all the time now both ears feel that way. ents have not been much help nor has my regular doctor, she tells me this is anxiety disorder and wants to give me meds for that. Iknow that is not the problem, ents find no fluid in the ear and no wax buildup. Its been almost two years now, christmas is coming and I am still miserable, out of a lot of money and no help in sight. If anyone has an idea pleaselet me know. Miserable

I have the same problem with first my right ear feeling clogged all the time now both ears feel that way. ents have not been much help nor has my regular doctor, she tells me this is anxiety disorder and wants to give me meds for that. Iknow that is not the problem, ents find no fluid in the ear and no wax buildup. Its been almost two years now, christmas is coming and I am still miserable, out of a lot of money and no help in sight. If anyone has an idea pleaselet me know. Miserable

I have the same problem with first my right ear feeling clogged all the time now both ears feel that way. ents have not been much help nor has my regular doctor, she tells me this is anxiety disorder and wants to give me meds for that. Iknow that is not the problem, ents find no fluid in the ear and no wax buildup. Its been almost two years now, christmas is coming and I am still miserable, out of a lot of money and no help in sight. If anyone has an idea pleaselet me know. Miserable

I have heard that anti-histamines help....

I also have the clogged ear feeling. I have tried nasal sprays, no relief, when I wake up in the am my right side of my neck is stiff and both ears feel completely plugged up like I dont have any ears at all, eventually the headache kicks in. I was told it was anxiety disorder to quit wasting my money on ents by my primary care doctor who is an idiot, she just wants me to take meds for anxiety and live withit, another doctor told me I need a shrink. I am starting to believe him because this is driving me crazy. Any help would be appreciated I am at the end of my rope . Thanks

I have the same problem with first my right ear feeling clogged all the time now both ears feel that way. ents have not been much help nor has my regular doctor, she tells me this is anxiety disorder and wants to give me meds for that. Iknow that is not the problem, ents find no fluid in the ear and no wax buildup. Its been almost two years now, christmas is coming and I am still miserable, out of a lot of money and no help in sight. If anyone has an idea pleaselet me know. Miserable

:mad: OMGZ i have the same problem

Its coming up to two years now and I'm going crazy. one morning I woke up with blocked ears. And it never went away. That was September 05. Its now May 07.
I went to fmaily doctors several times, they just prescribed decongestants for months that didnt work. Also, OTOVENT, a balloon device to ecualise the pressure, but it didnt work. Finally they referred me to a specialist, which took like 7 months (NHS). I had two appointments over eight months. First they prescribed a stronger spray, and said if it didnt work that nothign else would and that I'd have to live with it.

I got fed up, I have earaches and headaches persistently. I know what i need is grommets put in. So i went to see a private doctor. Who instead of granting me the op, told me there was nothing wrong with me. That the pressure in normal and theres nothing in my middle ears (HE MUST BE BLIND!) and my eustachian tube is fully functional (WHEN ITS NOT! IT WONT OPEN!). he then said it was all psychological, caused by worrying about the problem. when i protested he started talking about hwo he knew form the kind of perosn i am. HE DOESNT KNOW ME! he was giving me a bloody psych analysis.

So the NHS wont do anything. Private doctors wont do anything. Im in pain. Its coming up to 2 years. Im in pain. I want to ram a screwdriver in my ear.

I have been dealing with the same symptoms only I have pain in my ears. ENT's and an audiologist can't really do anything for me except to tell me to wait it out! How long is this going to last??? It's making me crazy!!! If anyone has tried home remedies that seem to have worked, I would love to know them!! Thanks so much!

Hi Paul With the constant popping have you been checkd out for ig Tinnitus I have been clicking constantly for 45 years
Make that now click in just one ear I deveoped ETD last year after I few homefom San Diego with a cold
Iam prmanently dizzy and hve been for 10 yers Il ove to fly too b ut am n afraid that flin gmight make the ETD worse I can live with Tinnyand Vestibula r Neuritis Good luck Rose

Hi,

I am new to this board and have posted my own message with no reply's. My symptoms are fullness of both ears, some dizzyness and pain. The person that wrote: Feel like putting a screwdriver in their ear! I feel the same! i have gone to 7 different doctors now. 2 ENT's. They all think different things. Blood Pressure, TMJ, Sinus and Allergy. Since dropping my dosage on Blood Pressure Meds the dizzyness has almost gone away. But the fullness in my ears still remain. I am a my wits end with this. I tell people how I feel and they think I am crazy or just making it up! I try to explain to them that it is like flying constantly. ENT said my tubes looked good, no fluid behind ears, no signs of blockage, hearing test good. They told me to go see a balance specialist and see if he could figure anything out. Have not done that yet as you have to stop smoking and can not take any sleeping meds. That would make me have a panic attack. I take Lunesta for sleeping or I will not sleep at all. I do have a night guard for the tmj. But have never been put on meds for it. Do any of you have pain with this? The pressure causes alot of pain for me. I carry a bottle of over the counter ear drop pain relief. It helps some with the pain, but does not help the pressure. I am sorry if this message seems out there...but it's how I feel. I have became so depressed with no answers or relief. Any suggestions? Am I Crazy???

amber

Hi Wisteria,

Your not crazy, but it is indeed difficult to diagnose this type of condition. If it feels plugged up, that may be a number of things.

1) Fluid in the eustacion tube causing the sensation of clogginess -- Just because they cannot see it, doesnt mean its not there in a small amount.
2) Inflammation at the entrance of the eustacion tube (Allergies etc..) causing the blockage
3) Inner ear disorders mimic this fullness, but if you can 'pop' your ears using valsalva, then chances are it is not inner ear related.

If you can pop your ears like the original poster, maybe you should look into something called the ear popper... I heard good thingsa bout it. If it is indeed inner ear related, then you will probably just have to find a way to deal with it until symptoms get better.. Remember with inner ear they go away slowly and wax and wane, so that the dizziness went away with your drop in bp meds maybe coincidence.

Hi Tummy2,

Thank you for the reply! I can pop them like that, but it is only temporary. It has became part of my normal routine. Ear Popper? Never heard of it. Can you find it online? One thing, it does seem to be better in the mornings. By mid-afternoon they seem to be worse. Any ideas on that? I am planning on going back to the ENT and asking if they can put the small incision and see if that will open it up. Also, they have suggested an MRI-what exactly will that tell them if it is just the tube not opening correctly? Again, thank you for writing back-it's nice to have someone to talk with about it.

Hi Wisteria,

First of all, you're not crazy. :) And I'm sorry your first post got overlooked. Most of us will only respond if we have something helpful to say and even though you're not the only one with those symptoms around here, people often take breaks from the board and don't check in for a few days, weeks or even longer.

I don't have experience with your symptoms but there are a couple things I want to say anyways. :)

Blood pressure meds - my husband takes those and dropped them after feeling dizzy in the mornings immediately after getting up. I'm not sure he fully understands the difference between lightheadedness, dizziness and vertigo but from the few questions I asked him, it sounds like it was more being lightheaded than dizzy which I assume (pure conjecture!) is simply due to low bp. I'm not sure that applies to you but thought I'd throw it out there.

Next:

They told me to go see a balance specialist and see if he could figure anything out. Have not done that yet as you have to stop smoking and can not take any sleeping meds.

I don't understand this at all. Someone (who?) told you specifically you would have to quit smoking and get off sleeping meds in order to go to a balance center? That's just not correct.

If your insurance will pay for it, go to the balance center. They will do a day or 2 of evaluation and see if they can figure out where your dizziness is originating. Afterwards they will work with you and give you exercises to help improve your symptoms.

i have gone to 7 different doctors now. 2 ENT's. They all think different things. Blood Pressure, TMJ, Sinus and Allergy.

What kind of doctors have you gone to see other than the ENTs and what sorts of tests have they done?

Also, they have suggested an MRI-what exactly will that tell them if it is just the tube not opening correctly?

Again, if your ins will pay for it, take them up on the offer and just have it done. It's to rule out other problems more than anything else - better safe than sorry. :)

That would make me have a panic attack. I take Lunesta for sleeping or I will not sleep at all.

Are you being treated for anxiety/panic attacks? How about for sleeping disorders? Have you told your docs you can't sleep without a sleeping aid?

Hi Wisteria,

You are not crazy. I have a deep burning ear pain, facial, head and neck pain, tinnitus and dizziness. I have gone to a lot of Doctors most thought I was crazy.

I finally ended up at a Pain Clinic and this Doctor actually believed my pain was real. I had an MRI of the brain, cervical spine and TMJ joints. Turns out I have a displaced disc of the right TMJ, same side as all my ear pain and problems.

I am now wearing a splint at night and taking an anti depressant, apparantly this is supposed to help with the pain by controling anxiety and help me sleep better so my body can heal. I feel better just knowing that I was not making this up.

I just wanted to let you know you are not alone and you are not crazy.

Hi Wisteria,

First of all, you're not crazy. :) And I'm sorry your first post got overlooked. Most of us will only respond if we have something helpful to say and even though you're not the only one with those symptoms around here, people often take breaks from the board and don't check in for a few days, weeks or even longer.

I don't have experience with your symptoms but there are a couple things I want to say anyways. :)

Blood pressure meds - my husband takes those and dropped them after feeling dizzy in the mornings immediately after getting up. I'm not sure he fully understands the difference between lightheadedness, dizziness and vertigo but from the few questions I asked him, it sounds like it was more being lightheaded than dizzy which I assume (pure conjecture!) is simply due to low bp. I'm not sure that applies to you but thought I'd throw it out there.

Next:



I don't understand this at all. Someone (who?) told you specifically you would have to quit smoking and get off sleeping meds in order to go to a balance center? That's just not correct.

The doctor that told me that was an ENT and ENG. He said that would mess the test up. Not sure how...but that is what he said.

If your insurance will pay for it, go to the balance center. They will do a day or 2 of evaluation and see if they can figure out where your dizziness is originating. Afterwards they will work with you and give you exercises to help improve your symptoms.

Insurance will pay for it as far as I know.



What kind of doctors have you gone to see other than the ENTs and what sorts of tests have they done?
2 General Practioners, 2 Internal Medicine, 2 ENT's, 1 ENG - Blood work, sinus scan, EKG, hearing test, check for tumors up my nose and throat, movement testing, tested for fluid behind ears. Changed my BP meds and the dizziness has pretty much gone away. It's just my ears that hurt all the time. I have also talked to my dentist about my TMJ, I have a night splint. I have read some things about that causing this also. I go back to my dentist on Thursday this week and I plan on talking to her more about it. I have not been wearing my splint because it won't stay in.





Again, if your ins will pay for it, take them up on the offer and just have it done. It's to rule out other problems more than anything else - better safe than sorry. :)



Are you being treated for anxiety/panic attacks? How about for sleeping disorders? Have you told your docs you can't sleep without a sleeping aid?

Yes, I take Lunesta for Sleeping and my doctor just put me on Celexa for anxiety/depresson.

Thank you! I hope once you start wearing your night guard it relieves the pain and goes away. I have one also, but have not been wearing it because it won't stay in. I go back to the dentist this week to get it fixed. There is some meds that you can take that suggests will relieve the ear problem. I am going to talk to her about that when I see her.

Supplement 5-HTP and tri cyclic anti depressant. Gonna ask her about both of these.

The doctor that told me that was an ENT and ENG. He said that would mess the test up. Not sure how...but that is what he said.

ENG? That a neurologist? (sorry, only familiar with the test!) I can imagine that the sleeping meds *might* mess something up but.... If your insurance pays for it, go for it. It can only help.

Though did I understand it right and you don't really have dizziness anymore? It's mostly pain now? See if getting the night guard fixed will help things. I've heard quite a bit about TMJ causing all kinds of unpleasant things, and most definitely lots of pain.

Hi Wisteria,

You are not crazy. I have a deep burning ear pain, facial, head and neck pain, tinnitus and dizziness. I have gone to a lot of Doctors most thought I was crazy.

I finally ended up at a Pain Clinic and this Doctor actually believed my pain was real. I had an MRI of the brain, cervical spine and TMJ joints. Turns out I have a displaced disc of the right TMJ, same side as all my ear pain and problems.

I am now wearing a splint at night and taking an anti depressant, apparantly this is supposed to help with the pain by controling anxiety and help me sleep better so my body can heal. I feel better just knowing that I was not making this up.

I just wanted to let you know you are not alone and you are not crazy.

Good luck with the new treatments Jill

What do you think the splint is doing to your jaw? Lowering it? Moving it outward? Did you get any details from the doctor who made your splint as to how the split will help?

best regards

Hi Frodoh,

Thank you for the well wishes. I am wearing a flat splint that goes over my top teeth mainly to help stop the grinding. The TMJ Specialist I saw does not believe in using anything that changes your bite.

I have had two opinons on this. My regular Dentist said my bite should be corrected with a splint that would bring my jaw down and forward and then braces but the Specialist said no. The Specialist thinks my problem is more muscular due to clenching and grinding.

He said the anti-depressant should help to relax the muscles especially during sleep. He believes if you can get into a deeper sleep you do not clench and grind your teeth at night and need to really pay attention to clenching and grinding during the day as well as using correct posture.

So, I'm kind of stuck right now trying to figure out what to do. I think I will give the anti depressant time to kick in and go from there.

I hope you are doing well.
Jill

Hi Frodoh,

Thank you for the well wishes. I am wearing a flat splint that goes over my top teeth mainly to help stop the grinding. The TMJ Specialist I saw does not believe in using anything that changes your bite.

I have had two opinons on this. My regular Dentist said my bite should be corrected with a splint that would bring my jaw down and forward and then braces but the Specialist said no. The Specialist thinks my problem is more muscular due to clenching and grinding.

He said the anti-depressant should help to relax the muscles especially during sleep. He believes if you can get into a deeper sleep you do not clench and grind your teeth at night and need to really pay attention to clenching and grinding during the day as well as using correct posture.

So, I'm kind of stuck right now trying to figure out what to do. I think I will give the anti depressant time to kick in and go from there.

I hope you are doing well.
Jill

I am in the same boat. There are no clear answers (not even clear causes). Good luck with the antidepressant and also look into massage therapy for your jaw, neck and scalp.

-frodoh

I would listen to what your general dentist has to say...what
you are doing is ruling out a simple device that can correct
your bit ....a splint is not exactly what i am thinking about
but a bite discluder which is in a plastic small bite that goes
i think up and under the front teeth and is adjusted in the
office by the dentist.....if it is your bite the pain will stop
immediately...i think it is not a splint but best bite discluder.
I would see if this worked and if my pain stopped right away
then you know it is your bite....if not then as a last resort i
would try the medication....i think that all of clenching and
bruxism and grinding is the way the jaw has to find its correct position and correct the bite itself.....Karen

I found this info on the internet. I thought it was interesting for those of use with Eustahian Tube dysfunction

" ... found that eustachian tube impedance was within normal limits in TMJ patients and in a control group. Fifty percent of the patients were found to have disturbances of active tubal opening, however, this is attributed to a general irritation of the trigeminal nerve, whose terminal branches are responsible for the innervation of the soft palate and tenson tympani muscle"