Ventilation Tube Removal - Hearing Disorders Message Board

Plum · 07-23-2003, 07:43 PM

Hello, all,

I'm very happy to have found these boards. Sometimes a big part of getting through something is knowing you're not alone. It's been a big help so far and I'm hoping to hear from others about some specific issues. First, a little history.

About 3 months ago, at the age of 53, I developed ETD. I've been seeing an otolaryngologist for five or six years, because I have a 50% hearing loss in both ears. I already take Rhinocort Aqua and Semprex-D for allergies, so he tried Prednisone. When that didn't work he inserted ventilation tubes in both ears. It's been 10 days. My ears feel like they're stuffed with cotton. There's fullness, other people's voices sound far away and my voice sounds (to me, only) like I have a cold.

I saw the doc today. My ears are healthy and the tubes are clear and doing what they're supposed to be doing. I had hearing tests as well. When the doc gets back to his main office tomorrow he'll compare today's results to the old ones and advise me but he admits to not knowing why my ears feel the way they do, except that the EDT probably is still playing a part. He said that removing the tubes is an option. Also, I will be seeing an allergist, as that seems the likely cause of the original EDT.

So, has anyone heard of feelings of fullness and reduced hearing after ventilation tubes? And does anyone know anything about the process of removal? I'd also be gratefulfor any suggestions for questions I might ask the doc.

Thanks!

Plum

lomond · 07-31-2003, 04:42 AM

I had 'grommets' inserted yesterday in the hope of resolving various problems with my ears and I am currently experiencing exactly the symptoms you describe.

My ENT consultant says they look fine but my hearing is dull and I can now hear the pulse in my ears. I hope these are temporary if not I may have them removed. I intend however to persevere for a few weeks yet as apparently too many ops on the eardrums can cause more problems.

You're not alone...

Plum · 07-31-2003, 07:08 AM

Thanks, Lomond. This couldn't have come at a better time.

I decided to try another short course of Prednisone and was starting to feel a little bit hopeful, then woke up this morning with something of a set back. I read Michael's post "the psychology of stuffy" on the Inner Ear Disorders board (which is where I meant to put my original message) and it echoed something I'd been thinking. I have a stressful day ahead. Difficult stress with a long day coming up at work, and pleasant stress, but stress none the less, with a trivia competition tonight. I was so bent on being "rested" for this day that I may have stressed myself out more, causing the symptoms to kick up a notch. I think it's wise to wait on removing the grommets, too, and your dose of pragmatism was most helpful. Thank you!

lomond · 07-31-2003, 09:19 AM

As a matter of interest, how did you find out that it may be an allergy that is causing the problem?

Plum · 07-31-2003, 12:13 PM

My otolaryngologist wants to check all the possibilities and allergies seem to be a common cause. He also wants to consider TMJ. From what I've been reading on the TMJ board, it's starting to look the odds on favorite for what's been going on with me.