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Would A Blocked Sinus Or Deviated Septum Interfere With The Function Of The Eustachian Tube ?
Eustachian Tube Problems due to a deviated Septum & Blocked Sinus Hi, for the past year I ve had problems with ear pressure, especially on my right ear, have been to see an Ear Nose And Throat Specialist who did an examination and discovered that I have a deviated septum and a blocked sinus on the side of the blocked ear, would a blocked sinus or deviated septum interfere with the function of the Eustachian Tube ?
posted on
Sat, 2 Apr 2011
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 3 Apr 2011
Answered on
Sun, 3 Apr 2011
Last reviewed on
1. Yes, it may. Have you had a PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) and an Impedance Audiogram? If so, what were the results?
2. How severe is the DNS and to which side?
3. Do you also have hypertrophied nasal turbinates?
4. How was your blocked sinus diagnosed? Have you had a plain CT PNS (Para Nasal Sinuses) done?
5. what were your exact symptoms? Do you also have giddiness or tinnitus?
2. How severe is the DNS and to which side?
3. Do you also have hypertrophied nasal turbinates?
4. How was your blocked sinus diagnosed? Have you had a plain CT PNS (Para Nasal Sinuses) done?
5. what were your exact symptoms? Do you also have giddiness or tinnitus?
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User's Response
Allan Murray's
Response
2. How severe is the DNS and to which side?
When I was examined last year, the ENT words were that the septum on the right side was "twisted and needed straightened".
4. How was your blocked sinus diagnosed? Have you had a plain CT PNS (Para Nasal Sinuses) done?
The ENT performed the procedure by camera insertion through the nose.
5. what were your exact symptoms? Do you also have giddiness or tinnitus?
Have had tinnitus about the same time I've had the condition.
When I was examined last year, the ENT words were that the septum on the right side was "twisted and needed straightened".
4. How was your blocked sinus diagnosed? Have you had a plain CT PNS (Para Nasal Sinuses) done?
The ENT performed the procedure by camera insertion through the nose.
5. what were your exact symptoms? Do you also have giddiness or tinnitus?
Have had tinnitus about the same time I've had the condition.
User's Response
Allan Murray's
Response
The condition is also worse after alcohol consumption and I have facial pain from time to time due to having to pop my ears regularly...
1. It is not possible to decide whether a sinus is blocked on nasal endoscopy alone. This is because sinuses are formed by bony walls and their openings are usually hidden from direct view. I suggest that you should ask for a plain CT PNS. It is the gold standard investigation for sinusitis, DNS.
2. A PTA and an Impedance Audiogram will pick up any hearing loss and any Eustachian Tube dysfunction (which may also cause tinnitus).
3. The pressure generated due to a Valsalva maneuver is many times the normal pressure usually found in the middle ear. That is why the ear crackles and squeaks and other abnormal sensations such as feeling of fluid movement or facial pain occur. It may also hasten middle ear damage in the long run.
4. Surgery is always an option, however you should a have a two to four week trial with medication first. The CT will be your surgical road map. If it is within normal limits, there is no question of surgery.
5. Alcohol competes for many chemical and drug receptors in our body, leading to worsening of symptoms. This is a common complaint.
2. A PTA and an Impedance Audiogram will pick up any hearing loss and any Eustachian Tube dysfunction (which may also cause tinnitus).
3. The pressure generated due to a Valsalva maneuver is many times the normal pressure usually found in the middle ear. That is why the ear crackles and squeaks and other abnormal sensations such as feeling of fluid movement or facial pain occur. It may also hasten middle ear damage in the long run.
4. Surgery is always an option, however you should a have a two to four week trial with medication first. The CT will be your surgical road map. If it is within normal limits, there is no question of surgery.
5. Alcohol competes for many chemical and drug receptors in our body, leading to worsening of symptoms. This is a common complaint.
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