Eustachian Tube Disorder and tinnitus

[Pgraham94]

Really hoping someone can give me some kind of hope on here as I’m getting myself very upset and stressed (I know I shouldn’t as that can make it worse but it’s hard!)

Some background info: I got very low level T a year ago from tonsil stones/swollen tonsils. Had tonsils out in July with complications. The low level rumbling T has never gone away but because it was so low I’ve just learned to ignore it.

3 days ago I had a completely normal day. Came home, ate dinner then noticed the washing machine sounded a little funny. Like it was beating ? Put it out of my mind and carried on with my evening. That night when I tried to get to sleep all I could hear was ringing. I can’t establish if it’s in two ears or one.

The next day my ear feels as if someone has scooped it out with a spoon - very hollow. Made a docs appt and he said it was T caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction. He noted that my throat was swollen on the left side and that it could be pressing on the tubes. He’s really scared me though as he said that I might always have it this loud to some degree.

Now, I feel as though it’s in both ears but I’m not sure if my right ear is trying to make up for the face the left can’t hear very well. Currently, I have a very hollowed out low level rumbling in the left ear and very high pitched ringig in the right. My right ear is very sensitive to any sounds and I’m hearing them much more high pitched than usual. My balance has also gone in the last few hours - I feel like I’m drunk all the time!

My partner is trying to keep me calm and telling me that it will go away as soon as the internal swelling goes down but honestly filled with dread at the thought of living like this forever. I’m only 24 years old...

[NicBTA Partner]

Hello and welcome to the British Tinnitus Association forum. Do feel free to ask any questions, I hope that you find this a helpful and supportive place to help you manage your tinnitus.

Listen to your partner - they have the right idea. If there's swelling in the tubes of the ear, nose or throat, this can be enough to muffle your hearing and for you to experience tinnitus. As the swelling subsides, so will the tinnitus, although this can take longer than you expect (or would like).

We have some resources that you might like to check out in addition to our home here:

tinnitus.org.uk

takeontinnitus.co.uk

Helpline 0800 018 0527 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) (outside the UK you can call [phone])

Warmest wishes

Nic (BTA Communications Manager and Forum Administrator)

[Pgraham94 in reply to NicBTA]

Thank you for your reply. At the time he said about my throat I didn’t feel unwell which is what is worrying me. I do feel unwell now band my sinuses feel full. Spoke to my GP today that said my throat was a little red and that I have to wait to see if the ETD subsides by itself.

The ringing and hypercusis (sorry I’m not sure how to spell it) seems a little better today I think. I can’t decide if it feels a little better due to not being in a loud environment though.

I’m still very stressed about the possibility of living with this forever. I can’t motivate myself to even get out of bed.

[Suziwong in reply to Pgraham94]

I had ETD after a viral infection it went away after a few weeks so good luck keep calm.

[Pgraham94 in reply to Suziwong]

They’ve diagnosed me with Labyrinthitis so hopefully it’s temporary x

[rogovdm in reply to Pgraham94]

Did it eventually went away? Do you stopped experiencing tinnitus?

[Pgraham94 in reply to rogovdm]

No unfortunately not! I only hear it at night time though x