posted 02-28-2003 06:57 AM            

My doctor has checked ear pressure, hearing and carried out an endoscopy, all fidning nothing unusual. The next step is an MRI to see if that finds anything. I feel that I am wasting everyines time but to be told that no cause can be found makes me worried that I am going to have to live with these symptoms the rest of my life.

I have read the messages elsewhere on this forum and seen references to 'tubes' and fluid in sinuses etc.

Can anyone suggest what is going on and what can be done to help.

posted 02-28-2003 08:22 AM            

First and foremost, replace your "doctor" with an otolaryngologist (eye, ear nose throat specialist).
In spite of your previous findings it sound like you have undrained pus/mucuous/fluid in your middle ear that requires draining.

While you wait for an appointment, try some over the counter pseudoephedrine (SUDAFED in the USA)...maybe 25 mg x 2times a day (not a prescription, I'm not an MD). Somethimes this decongests enough to allow the crap to drain out your Eustachian tubes. Add long steamy showers (or steamroom if you can), lot's of long hot tea breaks, hot broths, and maybe some gum chewing (ecch)! A humidifier while you sleep might help as will a wet Spring if we get one (UK ALWAYS gets one?)

posted 02-28-2003 10:36 AM            

Thanks for the advice. Why the broth and tea? I also forgot to mention that I can hear what sounds like my jaw clicking when I open it wide ie yawning etc. This must be significant or is it entirely concidental?

What is all this talk of tubes inserted to drain fluid away? Is this something I should be mentioning to my doctor. He is an ENT consultant by the way, I was doing him a diservice by calling him a Doctor.

posted 03-02-2003 10:15 AM            

The coffee and tea is for the decongestant effect of hot liquids so broths would be fine as well as hot water (but less palatable.)

The louder jaw clicking that results when middle ear blockage is present is usually caused by the ears relatively increased bone conduction hearing when the middle ear sound transmission is impeded. You are in essence using your skeleton as a replacement for the eardrum/ossicles route for sound.

It IS possible that some sort of TMJ irregularity in your jaw can be partially responsible for the whole problem if a misalignment impinges on the eustachian tube...but I'd conside it a less likely cause.

As Mlgable indicated, I typoed when I mentioned the 25 mg pseudoephedrine....that's correct that they are commonly 30 mg.
WARNING though, DO NOT take as much as 4/day without a doctor's specific ok....that's a LOT of stimulation and may blow your blood pressure through the roof.

posted 03-06-2003 06:48 AM            

I'm also trying an antioxidant and Ginko which I believe helps with circulation to the brain. Hopefully something will clear my ears. I've had the MRI and am now just waiting for the results.

posted 07-23-2003 06:56 AM            

I am soon to go back to my dentists and get a jaw splint fitted. Its just a simple plate, like a gum shield that fits to your bottom teeth, and helps to realign your jaw. Other prosedures may also be needed, but hopefuly that will be it. BTW, I've also found out that my jaw is also the cause of a lot my sholder and back ache which I freaquently get.
I hope this information helps a few people like me.

posted 07-23-2003 07:20 AM            

The next step is grommets which might, or might not work!

posted 07-25-2003 05:31 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by lomond:
[B]I have noticed head colds, stress, alcohol, long distance car travel etc all make the symptoms worse. [B]

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In addition to Sudafed (which makes me too anxious though) I have found a hayfever spray like Beconase (Wilkinsons do it for under £4) helps me a great deal

I have always had problems with my tube (the thing between the throat and the inner ear) and ha a LOT of middle ear infections as a child, had no problems there for a long time though since I had my tonsils removed. One question - do you smoke? I've heard that smoking is often linked to sinus problems, and stopping it usually puts a stop to the sinus problems as well