Pressure Equalizing Tubes - Hearing Disorders Message Board

vernon123 · 07-17-2001, 04:26 PM

I have been suffering terribly from eustachian tube dysfunction over the past six months. It goes from dynamic eustachian tube dysfunction (Snapping, popping, twitching, thumping sensations) where the nerves and muscles around the ET work incorrectly to static eustachian tube dysfunction (plugged left ear with varying degrees of dull pain). My ENT suggests trying pressure equalizing tubes. I am very concerned about the risks involved. I have heard from people whose symptoms became worse instead of better. I can see a tube working to relieve pressure due to static ETD, but I can't see how it can help dynamic ETD. Any input about this procedure would be appreciated. Good luck to all victims of ETD and other unbearable diseases.

IACKaren · 07-18-2001, 10:13 AM

I tried to reply before, but something happened. I hope this does not show up twice. I had tubes put in my ears on July 5th. I have feelings of twitching, pressure, and it feels like Santa's little elves are working inside of my ear, especially my left one. I don't know if the tubes are going to work or not. I don't understand how they can. I still have my own Eustachean tubes which still crackle and pop when I swallow so what gives me the idea that these "fake" tubes will work and help equalize pressure. I am just as miserable as you. I am going bac to the ENT tomorrow to discuss what should be done or if there is a certain amount of recover time from having the tubes placed in the ears. I am at wits end and don't know what to recommend. I guess they have helped some people but hindered others. I'll keep you posted.

------------------

vernon123 · 07-19-2001, 02:06 PM

I visited my ENT today and he agreed with my concerns about pressure equalizing tubes. He told me that most of his patients do not get relief from them. Only a minority do. He believes that the middle ear and eustachian tube are a combined system with problems not always being caused by the eustachian tube alone. He can't see anything visibly wrong with my ear judging by the tests and exams. He believes it is a condition that is minor, but produces major symptoms. He agreed that I should wait another four months before trying them. He recommends Flonase which can help the nasal side of the ET. I am skeptical about trying this because it feels like that can make my ET pop open suddenly, the most unbearable of my symptoms. Besides, the damage came from the ear side of the tube where it is the most narrow. My GP prescribed me Voltarin 100mg for inflammation and pain and Serzone starting at 50 mg for pain induced depression. He is allowing me to take 30mg codeine/acetaminophen tablets and Rivotril (clonazepan) 0.5 mg up to twice a day as needed. These last two pills are the only ones that provide some relief. The two new pills, I started only today. I hope they don't make me worse like the prednisone (anti-inflamatory steriod) and paxil (depression) drugs did. I have to keep trying to find a way to beat this. Good luck in your battle.

IACKaren · 07-19-2001, 02:38 PM

Hi Nathan:
I am going to my ENT later today to see if I should leave the tubes in or not. I get this horrible pressure at the base of my ear right where the jaw bone is situated and the pressure is all the way along the back of my neck and head. It is just awful and nothing makes my headache go away. As far as the Flonase is concerned, go ahead and use it. It is relatively safe and won't make your ear pop loud to hurt or disburb you. It will coat your nasal passages, and if you point it outward into the direction of your Eustachean Tubes, it will really help to relive some of the symptoms. It can only be used once a day approx. the same time. I was also given a prescription for that as well as 800 mg of Motrin. The Motrin does nothing, but the Flonase does relieve a little bit of the pressure. It is the constant headaches that really bother me. If the tubes don't work, why did I go through all of this to get them inserted. I should have just left well enough alone and learned to use Ear Planes and Afrin and decongestants while I am in an airplane. I'll let you know the outcome of my ENT Visit.

------------------