Health question - blocked eustachian tubes

[gilbertslake]

I have chronically blocked eustachian tubes for over a year. I get ringing in the ears and on a couple of occasions have had some vertigo but only when I turn quickly.

I have had all of the standard treatments from my family doc and also an ENT consultant. Sinus rinses, decongestants, Serc, exercises to drain sinuses and to re-position possible ear stones, blowing nose while holding it etc but nothing works for a permanent solution. The ENT guy says I just have to live with this.

Someone mentioned to me a couple days ago that they had seen a fairly new procedure on TV recently, where a small balloon is passed into the eustachian tube and inflated, which widens the tube apparently providing instant relief.

I found it when I Googled it, but it only shows places available in the US ($2000 bucks a pop).

Is anyone aware if this procedure is available in Alberta anywhere?

[Ken07AOVette]

I have a more mild but similar problem, I have not flown prior to 1997 because of it, landing causes so much agony I want to jump out of the plane to end it. The only thing that helped me last March when we flew was heavy overdose of antihistimines or whatever that cleared me up enough to fly, plus sucking on candy constantly, equalizing, etc.

I would not assume to second guess a ENT, but maybe another ENT?

[silverdoctor]

This may sound crazy but I use peroxide periodically to clean my ears and canals out. Works like a charm.

Was going deaf years ago due to blockages, didn't realize it. My aunt had me use the peroxide, sounds crazy when it's eating through all the wax but when it finally runs down the throat, it feels so good. Just warm it up, lay down, fill the ear and relax.

[Ken07AOVette]

Originally Posted by silverdoctor

This may sound crazy but I use peroxide periodically to clean my ears and canals out. Works like a charm.

Was going deaf years ago due to blockages, didn't realize it. My aunt had me use the peroxide, sounds crazy when it's eating through all the wax but when it finally runs down the throat, it feels so good. Just warm it up, lay down, fill the ear and relax.

May have to try that- thank you!

[silverdoctor]

Takes quite a while the first time around if there's alot of buildup. It tickles and the sounds are crazy til you get used to it.

Do some searching on google, there's many out there using peroxide, and i've never had any side effects from it.

[Got Juice?]

Mine are blocked as well, Cry like a baby when descending from 30,000 feet on anything smaller than a 737.

Other than that, I clean my ears once a week with warmed mineral oil and a bulb, and that's about all I can do .

[Ken07AOVette]

Tips
According to Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists, cotton swabs are the last thing you should be putting in your ear. Cleaning your ears with q-tips may cause more problems. Instead, use a moist cloth to wash the external part of the ear or rinse your ears out during a shower.
Clean ears after taking a shower. It's much easier.
The hydrogen peroxide technique should not be used more than once or twice per week at most. More than this can cause the ear canal to dry up too much.
Do not use the hydrogen peroxide technique if you have a perforated eardrum or a history of ear problems.
If you're not sure about any of this, consult your physician.
For problematic earwax, consult an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Specialist.
If you find your ear canals are drying out too much from the hydrogen peroxide, put a couple drops of oil (toasted sesame, olive, baby) into your ear. Toasted sesame is best, as it is slightly warming and has anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties.

Warnings
Do not put the Q-tip in your ear. Be careful putting anything into your ears! Even a Q-tip can scratch the ear canal, causing a painful and potentially serious infection.


Things You'll Need

Cotton Swab
Hydrogen peroxide
Ear Syringe
Kleenex
Source(s):
http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Your-Ears

[tommyguitar]

I have tubes that are blocked too. The ENT also says I have to live with it. I'm going to try the peroxide. So far, the best relief I have is from the neti pot.

[silverdoctor]

Yeah, you don't need the cotton swabs. Next time you're near a pharmacy counter, ask them for a medicine syringe or whatever it's called. It's a syringe with a flexible plastic tube for giving kids liquid medicines, works great to fill the ear canals. They normally give them away.

Oh, and while your ears are full, plug your nose and pop your ears VERY GENTLY. It helps get the peroxide deeper. Change the peroxide when the popping noise stops but switch ears to give them a break.

I use peroxide every couple of months.

[gilbertslake]

Originally Posted by Ken07AOVette

Tips
According to Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists, cotton swabs are the last thing you should be putting in your ear. Cleaning your ears with q-tips may cause more problems. Instead, use a moist cloth to wash the external part of the ear or rinse your ears out during a shower.
Clean ears after taking a shower. It's much easier.
The hydrogen peroxide technique should not be used more than once or twice per week at most. More than this can cause the ear canal to dry up too much.
Do not use the hydrogen peroxide technique if you have a perforated eardrum or a history of ear problems.
If you're not sure about any of this, consult your physician.
For problematic earwax, consult an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Specialist.
If you find your ear canals are drying out too much from the hydrogen peroxide, put a couple drops of oil (toasted sesame, olive, baby) into your ear. Toasted sesame is best, as it is slightly warming and has anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties.

Warnings
Do not put the Q-tip in your ear. Be careful putting anything into your ears! Even a Q-tip can scratch the ear canal, causing a painful and potentially serious infection.


Things You'll Need

Cotton Swab
Hydrogen peroxide
Ear Syringe
Kleenex
Source(s):
http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Your-Ears

I haven't tried the Peroxide, but I am game for anything if it will give me relief.

Ken, I have the opposite effect from flying. After I fly the ears pop and I seem to be symptom free for a day or two after. But like you, before I board I take oral decongestants and use a nasal spray (Dristan).
At least my ailment keeps my wife entertained, when I am sitting watching TV as every now and then I hold my nose and blow hard. She complained once and I said "it's either that or you turn the TV up on bust, 'cause I can't hear the damned thing" she has let it slide ever since.

[S&C_Coach]

Ever try "Ear Candling"?

Sounds hokey, looks even dumber but it was only thing that gave relief to a friend of mine. My understanding is they put a special candle in the ear and light it and it somehow draws all the muck thats in there.

NO, I'M NOT KIDDING.

And seriously, he lived with his pain and deafness for ages and now every one to two months he goes...swears by it.

[gilbertslake]

Originally Posted by S&C_Coach

Ever try "Ear Candling"?

Sounds hokey, looks even dumber but it was only thing that gave relief to a friend of mine. My understanding is they put a special candle in the ear and light it and it somehow draws all the muck thats in there.

NO, I'M NOT KIDDING.

And seriously, he lived with his pain and deafness for ages and now every one to two months he goes...swears by it.

I checked on Health Canada. They say it is potentially dangerous. I am not sure I would want to try it.

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv...reille-eng.php

[CNP]

How to do the peroxide thing...Link

I've had quite a few surgeries and other stuff. The worst I've ever felt is the suffering from viral induced vertigo. Man that is one incapacitating illness. Have had it twice......you don't feel safe, even lying down, you think you're going to fall off the planet.....and puke every time you make a move.

[gilbertslake]

Originally Posted by ehntr

How to do the peroxide thing...Link

I've had quite a few surgeries and other stuff. The worst I've ever felt is the suffering from viral induced vertigo. Man that is one incapacitating illness. Have had it twice......you don't feel safe, even lying down, you think you're going to fall off the planet.....and puke every time you make a move.

I agree. Had it a couple of times too. what gets me is when you turn your head to the side and stop and you feel like the head is till moving all the way around. Also feeling dizzy even when you lay down.

I have found the peroxide and will give it a try tonight.

Still wondering if anyone has any leads on the balloon therapy for the eustachian tubes that is, is it available in Alberta

Im screwed.........Ive been using Q tips in my ears forever.... Im careful to not stick it in too deep....that hurts. I hate water in my ears after a shower though,


Ken....you probably were already flying if you took a bunch of antihistamine lol


Neti Pots work great for clearing out the sinus and nasal passages! It's so dry here and I get stuffed up a bunch...check it out