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Suggest Treatment For Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Question: A year ago I was blowing my nose and my left ear whistled, the whistling went away after a couple weeks, then the sMe ear just started popping on its own, I was a light smoker up until a month ago and most of the ear popping has gone away, 2-3 weeks before quitting smoking( when my ear was popping a lot) I would start getting dizziness/ legs would feel like jelly and still remains after 1 month smoke free, ear is still popping sometimes and is sensitive to sound, is the dizziness caused by my ear problem?? I am overall healthy, 38 years old male, bp 115/70. Should I be worried about seriousness of this? What could this be?
Brief Answer:
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, Tympanometry
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. This is a very common condition known as Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.
2. The Eustachian Tube connects the middle ear (the part of the ear behind the ear drum) with the nose. The popping of the ear is due to air flowing through after a temporary block. The whistling sound is known as Tinnitus.
3. A test known as a Tynpanimetry (or Impedance Audiometry) can be used to check the function of the Eustachian Tube and to compare results between the left and the right ear. AN ear drum examination will also help rule out other common causes such as ear wax accumulation in the external ear canal.
4. The dizziness and weakness in the legs is most likely due to this pressure differential in the middle ear which is transmitted to the balance system of the ear.
5. It is good to hear that you have stopped smoking as this interferes with the delicate ciliary action of the internal linings, decreasing the function.
6. There are many other causes of ETD that can be ruled out by direct examination. In addition a search is made to explain why only one side is not functioning properly.
7. You may upload the results here for further treatment options.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, Tympanometry
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. This is a very common condition known as Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.
2. The Eustachian Tube connects the middle ear (the part of the ear behind the ear drum) with the nose. The popping of the ear is due to air flowing through after a temporary block. The whistling sound is known as Tinnitus.
3. A test known as a Tynpanimetry (or Impedance Audiometry) can be used to check the function of the Eustachian Tube and to compare results between the left and the right ear. AN ear drum examination will also help rule out other common causes such as ear wax accumulation in the external ear canal.
4. The dizziness and weakness in the legs is most likely due to this pressure differential in the middle ear which is transmitted to the balance system of the ear.
5. It is good to hear that you have stopped smoking as this interferes with the delicate ciliary action of the internal linings, decreasing the function.
6. There are many other causes of ETD that can be ruled out by direct examination. In addition a search is made to explain why only one side is not functioning properly.
7. You may upload the results here for further treatment options.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for the response,
Are there treatments available to make the dizziness go away or to repair this problem? Will it go away by itself since I have quit smoking or do I need to see a ent doctor? The dizziness is worse after being on my feet all day at work. So I should have piece of mind that the dizziness is caused by the ear problem? Trying to rule out seriousness / life threatening conditions. Thanks for your time.
Are there treatments available to make the dizziness go away or to repair this problem? Will it go away by itself since I have quit smoking or do I need to see a ent doctor? The dizziness is worse after being on my feet all day at work. So I should have piece of mind that the dizziness is caused by the ear problem? Trying to rule out seriousness / life threatening conditions. Thanks for your time.
Brief Answer:
Yes, get examined first.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, there are treatment options available.
2. You should get examined by an ENT Specialist.
3. Once you get a confirmed diagnosis, depending upon the severity of the ETD further treatment may be planned. Mild ETD will respond to regular steam inhalation. Severe ETD will require medication. The dizziness will reduce after the ETD recovers.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Yes, get examined first.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, there are treatment options available.
2. You should get examined by an ENT Specialist.
3. Once you get a confirmed diagnosis, depending upon the severity of the ETD further treatment may be planned. Mild ETD will respond to regular steam inhalation. Severe ETD will require medication. The dizziness will reduce after the ETD recovers.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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