I have one ear with high pressure. Chewing gum helps, but I think I might have an Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Has anyone gotten tubes put in as an adult?
Most websites say just a Novocain shot in the eardrum and it is inserted. A nurse and a friend, say it way to painful for just a local.
Feedback--way to get them inserted and do they work. My ear pressure drives me crazy.
Hiker53
Posted by Winni (Member # 36772) on :
Hi! I had tubes put in in may of 2010 and they stayed in for 1 yr.
Yes that is how they are put in. It is uncomfortable but my ENT said it is very common for adults to have them put in this way. I did not care as I knew it would give me some pressure relief.
It also amplified noises like crazy and I became very sensitive for that entire year. It was a good experience for me and I would do it again if necessary.
I wish I had taken a Xanax prior to the appointment as I think the anxiety was worse for me than the procedure.
I know you will be able to get through this, the relief is worth it!
If you have any questions feel free to PM me. Hugs!
Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
What Are the Most Common Reasons for Ear Tubes in Adults?
Do your research, lots of info on the web.
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
Thanks, Steve. I have probably done too much research on the web on ear tubes!!
Just wanted to see who had it done here and how it turned out.
Blessings.
Hiker53
Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
Hiker, I never had it done myself, but my younger son had them put in years ago and it worked great for him.
He would get ear infections every month or two, after the tubes were put in (for about a year) he never got another one to this day.
I know you're looking for adults with tubes, but I thought I would share his experience with you.
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
Thank you Steve, I appreciate the feedback. I don't have ear infections, but I don't think the Eustachian tube is working properly as my ear is full of pressure. I don't think it opens when it should.
Glad to hear the tubes helped your son.
Hiker53
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
My mom has ear tubes and they have been a life saver for her. She has structurally "different" sinuses and ears that don't drain right so she is prone to infections.
She literally could not hear without the tubes. She had her first set put in at the office. Said it wasn't bad, felt good to have the pressure relieved finally. The set she has now is a more permanent one that was surgically placed under anesthesia.
I know they helped her so much so if you are having pressure problems that are interfering with your daily life you may consider getting a tube placed. They certainly helped my mom.
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
Sammy--thanks for the feedback. I almost want the problem just to be that I need tubes. I am just a wimp about only using local anesthesia. However, I should not worry until I even have my appointment next week.
I have seen 7 other ENT's in the last 10 years and have had every ear test imaginable. I never have an infection, so no one has suggested tubes. I think the Eustachian tube just isn't working due to nerve damage from Lyme and Co.
Have a great day.
Hiker53
Posted by carolann2013 (Member # 39964) on :
Hi All.
I have had tubes put in my ears this past October. This was before I thought I had Lyme.
I had a problem with pain and also the fullness. The ringing. I had lost some hearing in the ear which made it hard to do my office job....answering phones.
I went to two different ENT's. The first one said that I had fluid in my ear. He did a simple incision in my eardrum and thought that it would take care of the problem. I never felt anything much.
It did relieve some pressure and felt good for maybe 24 hours, then it was back like it was. Possbily more painful.
I went to another doctor and he said he would put a tube in my ear. He did numb it a little, but it still smarted. The ear was hurting anyway and then when they put that tube in, it really is some hard feeling pressure and extremely loud. Luckily the pain just lasts a second and it is over.
I felt relief at once. But after about three months, it was back like it was....not quite as bad, but bad enough.
So, I have just learned to live with it. I have since learned that the Lyme and coinfections probably have a lot to do with it.
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
Carolann,
Do you still have the tube in your ear or has it fallen out?
I am sure that Lyme and Co-infections are the cause of my ear problem, but I think I have killed all the "buggers" and am now just healing and getting stronger.
I know some issues may never get better, but maybe I can find some way to relieve this one. Thanks for the input.
Hiker53
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
up
Posted by carolann2013 (Member # 39964) on :
Hiker, As a matter of fact, it just fell out last month so it sure didn't last a full year.
Ear is still not right. I can honestly say, I do think it has gotten better, but I believe that it is because of the Lyme medications including the supplements that I take, that has made it better.
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
Carolann--what supplements are you taking if you don't mind me asking. (that help your ears?)
Hiker53
Posted by carolann2013 (Member # 39964) on :
I am not sure which ones is helping exactly, but I am taking Magnesium Glycinate (hope I spelled that right) and the antibiotic I am taking is Zithromax.
I still have the ringing, still a little pain, still a little fullness. But it isn't as bad as it was. It was my main issue at the time.
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
I also take Mag glycinate. Did a year of Zithromax and no change in my ears, but that antibiotic was some time ago. Ear problems were my first symptoms.