Why Do I Continue To Have Fullness In My Ears When I Have A History Of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

Posted on Thu, 19 Jan 2023

Question: I continue to have fullness in my ears. It feels like they need to pop but I have a hard time doing it. Sometimes when I hold my nose, close my mouth and blow it pushes fluid out of my eyes. I take allergy medications and Flonase and sometimes Sudafed but I continue to have it. It can make me off balance and it is really annoying. What else can I do? I have a history of ehlers danlos and I heard it can cause ear problems. Is this true?

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (36 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Impedance Audiometry/ Tympanogram. Allergy tests.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

1. Get a ear drum examination and an Impedance Audiogram/ Tympanogram done. Upload the result.

2. Allergy tests will help as you have allergy symptoms despite medical treatment. Skin prick tests or Immunocap allergy tests with total IgE level estimation should be done.

3. Epiphora (watering of the eyes) after Valsalva maneuver (closing the nose and mouth while blowing the cheeks) is due to reverse flow of tears.

4. Abnormal ear pressures due to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction or hypermobile ear drum or middle ear bones and ligaments can lead to dizziness.

5. Yes, these ear problems may be linked to EDS (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome).

6. Treatment and management options can be discussed after your ear and allergy tests.

I hope that 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. Nagamani Ng