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Can Blowing Ears In An ETD Patient Lead To Hearing Loss?

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Posted on Thu, 19 May 2016
Question: hello Doctor

I have suffered from mild ETD(Eustachian Tube Disorders) for 7 years now. It was awful for the first 3 years, but after finding treatment options for it, I could live with it. But now I still want to know more about this and is there more I can do ? ..
The disorder can be totally gone for days and up to weeks even, and then it comes back and can last for weeks. My treatment is Steam(1-2 times pr.day), nasal horn/salt water cleaning, nasal spray steroid and sometimes loratadin 10mg. This makes me able to pop the ears; but some days are just better than others and some are awful.
I have been a mild+ reflux sufferer for years; but I don't find any connection between when I have reflux and when I have Blocked ear and nose.

When the ETD is bad my ears make more noise than normal ? few years ago before my natural treatment plan I also had tinnitus; but it did go away when I was able to pop my ears again.
I have normal hearing and I have taking hearing test check up often and there is no change in my hearing.
but ofcourse when ETD is bad the hearing is dull.
I really find a connection between when it's cold outside ( winter weather ) the ETD is worse. Lower temperature worsen the ETD ? or is this speculation ?

what I really wanna know is this:
Is it safe to pop/blow my ears ? or will this cause hearing loss overtime ?
is it harmul or not to have ETD,dulled hearing for days before it goes away again ? .. it always makes me scared everytime I have it, if it will hurt my hearing or not / but for seven years it hasn't.


do you recommend any other treatment ? I always prefer treatment as natural as possible.
I talked to a specialist four years ago and he thought inserting for ventilation a tube wasn't the right choice for me.

Overall _ what do you suggest for me to do ?
I want to keep my hearing the rest of my life as good as possiable.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It is safe to blow/ pop your ear.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,

I have gone through your query and understand your worry and concern.

At the outset, I would like to comment that it is safe to pop/blow your ears and it will not cause the hearing loss overtime.

That being said, since you been suffering with this problem for years, I would suggest that we get CT scan of your paranasal sinuses, Impedance audiometry and nasal endoscopy to rule out the any physical obstruction. Physical obstruction if any may be responsible for eustachian tube dysfunction. And if we find any, it needs to be corrected.

Yes cold temperature physiologically will induce more congestion thereby worsening ET dysfunction. Keeping yourself warm and regular steam inhalation is recommended.

I am pleased with your treatment. However, for better and sooner results, I would suggest mucolytic medication in addition to the treatment your doctor has already prescribed you.

You will have to discuss regarding these step with your treating doctor.

Regards
Dr Hariom Sharma MS,


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Hariom Sharma (3 hours later)
Just to be clear, what excatly is "Nasal Physical obstruction" .

do you mean polyps or anything else ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It may be polyp or something else that causes a decrease in the space for airflow inside the nose.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
I have gone through your follow up question and understand your concern.

Nasal physical obstruction may be turbinate hypertrophy, rhino sinusitis, polyp, deviated nasal septum, nasopharyngeal mass etc.

I would suggest to rule out above mentioned diseases for better further line of management.

Regards
Dr Hariom Sharma MS, XXXXXXX
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. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Hariom Sharma

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 1113 Questions

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Can Blowing Ears In An ETD Patient Lead To Hearing Loss?

Brief Answer: It is safe to blow/ pop your ear. Detailed Answer: Hi Sir, I have gone through your query and understand your worry and concern. At the outset, I would like to comment that it is safe to pop/blow your ears and it will not cause the hearing loss overtime. That being said, since you been suffering with this problem for years, I would suggest that we get CT scan of your paranasal sinuses, Impedance audiometry and nasal endoscopy to rule out the any physical obstruction. Physical obstruction if any may be responsible for eustachian tube dysfunction. And if we find any, it needs to be corrected. Yes cold temperature physiologically will induce more congestion thereby worsening ET dysfunction. Keeping yourself warm and regular steam inhalation is recommended. I am pleased with your treatment. However, for better and sooner results, I would suggest mucolytic medication in addition to the treatment your doctor has already prescribed you. You will have to discuss regarding these step with your treating doctor. Regards Dr Hariom Sharma MS,