Does any one out there have patulous eustachian tube? - Inner Ear Disorders Message Board

aja · 08-20-2001, 11:07 AM

Hello... I have had Patulous Eustachian tube on my left side for about 4 years, I was originally diagnoised as having a blocked tube!! and had two tubes fitted. I have since done my own research in to my condition and discovered that I in fact have PET. While I was researching it, I discovered that the cause of this condition is associated with various things, one of them being dramatic weight loss (they reckon you can actually loose weight in your eustachian tube..and the loss of fat can cause it to gape open. Another one of the causes mentioned is oral contraceptives!! I can not believe this hasn't been more widely publicised. I have been on the pill for a few years, and I'm wondering if it could be what caused it. HAS ANYONE out there discovered that the route to their Patulous eustachian tubes/tubes is due to the oral contraceptives?? or any other sort of hormonal treatment? You see, women often get it when they are pregnant because of the dramatic change in hormone levels in their bodies....this is why the oral contraceptives can cause it...because of the change in hormonal levels.
Has anyone experienced relief by discontinuing to take such tablets?? I would greatly appreciate a response from some one.

vernon123 · 09-11-2001, 08:43 AM

I am not suffering from patulous eustachian tube dysfunction, but dynamic eustachian tube dysfunction, static eustachian tube dysfunction, palatal myoclonus and myoclonus (muscle spasms) of the middle ear. The last two are the problems that are really driving me insane. I can't work or study because my suffering is so terrible. This occured from what I would only call a STUPID accident that should have never happened. I am taking two muscle relaxants, tegretol (slow acting, long term) and clonazepam (fast acting relief). I think patulous eustachian tube dysfunction MAY be caused by over-reacting muscles. I have been suffering for eight months. The first four were unbearable, where my eustachian tube slammed open and shut, popping the ear drum. That's what makes me think overreacting muscles may be involved. Talk to your doctor about muscle relaxants. Clonazepam seemed to STOP the unbearable muscle spasms for awhile. What you may need is a long term muscle relaxant to prevent it from being open constantly. I AM ONLY GUESSING ON THIS. I wish I can offer more advice, but I am no doctor. Do discontinue the tablets or anything which may stimulate muscles.

aja · 09-15-2001, 04:56 AM

Thanks Nathan, I hadn't considered that and no one has mentioned it to me, but it does make sense. there are nasal sprays and stuff that cause the ET to inflame, thus blocking it up and preventing the symptoms you get with PET but I haven't tried them yet...still on the waiting list for my next appointment, but I will mention what you have suggested to me.
You no Nathan, some thing which has helped me (this may not be your cup of tea) is yoga, don't forget, this is an ancient art form, and there are people besides medical specialists that no a little about the way the body works. There is a asana called 'the lion pose' you'll find it in most books - or just ask a yoga teacher, and it removes diseses of the ear nose and throat, I have noticed a diference...especially just after I've done it...do it every morning, it then sets you up for the day...but GIVE IT A CHANCE! it doesn't change things straight away. Keep in touch

chapelle · 02-19-2003, 11:51 AM

Dear aja and anyone else,
I have have had a patulous eustachian tube on my right side for over two years now and it is literally driving me crazy! I got it after being on the birth control for 1 year and even after I discontinued the pill the problems still remained. Everyday I have autophony which comes on during the mid-day or any time that I do activities (such as exercising).

My ear and nose doctor told me it was completely hormornal and my choices to get rid of it were either to get pregnant or gain weight unfortunately both were unrealistic for me, and plus as you said many people get the problem in the first place from being pregnant!

Anyways my own personal theory is that in my case it is completely hormonal, because it comes on when my hormones are changing, and perhaps somehow when I was on the birth control it had either blocked or altered something in my endocrine system. Actually my naturopathic doctor thinks it is in my pituiary glands. Nothing has really helped me so far but the one thing I do find a bit of relief with is a creme I purchased at a health food store which is composed of wild yam (a natural hormone regulator) and it actually has some progesterone in it (at least that was what the lady told me). Herbs such as vitex, black cohosh, or red clover may also help. I am seing a guynecologyst currently, and have talked to him about hormonal treatment. Obviously if hormones brought this on, their must their must be other hormones that can put me back on track or at least provide me with some relief for the meantime. At my visit he seemed quite reluctant although he said he would look into it and contact my ear and nose doctor.
One last suggestion, apparently the bith control pill can clog up your liver a vital path for hormones, therefore you may want to try something to clean it out, as I have heard of certain herbs that can help with the process.
I hope this will help a little, and if anyone has any suggestions for me please write! Thanks