Hearing

[Eve3066]

Does anyone have a. Problem with their hearing when they use a CPap machine. I think I am getting worse and worse but the consultant has no knowledge of this issue.

Any ideas anyone

[Kath-Hope2Sleep]

I hear of a few people who get ear problems after using CPAP, but not many thank goodness. I was actually diagnosed with sleep apnoea after a routine check of my ears with an ENT consultant (I never did get my ears sorted out as he suspected sleep apnoea which as he pointed out was more important so referred me on). Dr Steven Park is an ENT Consultant and also a Sleep Consultant so reading this he wrote might help you doctorstevenpark.com/the-bi... and I guess a referral to ENT yourself might help too.

[LesleyAnne]

Hi, yes I do have a problem with my hearing due to CPAP. I have Eustachian Tube (right ear worse than left) caused by a nasal CPAP mask. I also have tinnitus like a high pitched whine in my right ear. I have had my ears Syringed but that did not help. I am going back to my GP as I am currently deaf in the right and have muffled hearing in the left. It is a well known problem with CPAP but not widely admitted I'm afraid. Good luck to you.

[pollyjj]

My hubby has used a CPAP for about 13 years now and slowly his hearing has deteriorated he always thought it might be the CPAP but was told no, he now uses 2 hearing aids.

polly xx

[Hidden]

Dear Eve, Judy from the BLF here. I have asked our Ear, Nose and Throat specialist on our OSA advisory group about this. Here is what he says (I hope you find this useful):

"In my experience ear problems are not particularly prevalent in OSA or CPAP patients.

However, there is some logic that suggests that there may be a link.

Untreated OSA leads to inflammation of the upper airway as Dr Park describes and may also exacerbate acid reflux which may influence Eustachian function leading to an increase in middle ear problems.

CPAP usage is relevant; under treatment will leave residual apnoeas and inflammation as Dr P says and some patients do experience CPAP induced rhinitis which again can affect Eustachian function. This can generally be managed by appropriate use of humidification with or without heating and use of nasal steroids.

Occasionally the rhinitis can be severe and difficult to treat resulting in the withdrawal of CPAP.

Pressure transmitted up the Eustachian tubes can be a problem but less than one might imagine as the ETs are closed at rest and open with swallowing but is one reason why using the correct pressure is important. There is a condition of patulous ETs which we sometimes see in patients who have lost a lot of weight resulting in the tube being permanently open due to loss of submucosal fatty tissue. In this case the CPAP pressure can be transmitted directly to the middle ear but I have not come across this problem often."

[Hidden]

Sorry, the language was a bit technical - residual apnoeas would mean that you were still having apnoeas despite being on treatment - therefore the treatment might need to be adjusted. "Under treatment" would mean that the pressure was not high enough on the CPAP. I believe he is also saying that having humidification on the CPAP or using nasal steroids can help with the inflammation. There is more about this in our OSA pack (part 3)which can be ordered from our website. Hope this helps.