Current treatment for ETD

[SueX]

So when you've had CT/MRI scans to rule out the 'nasties' (accoustic neuroma) and you've got nowhere with the steroid nasal sprays and antihistamines...what then? Is the current recommended treatment grommets and or balloon dilation? Please don't say there's no treatment 😱😱

[KarenFa]

Hi SueX, I just had an ENT appointment and discussed balloon dilation. The consultant said it might work at first but would not last and that is why none of the consultants in the Reading area will do it. He said you would find someone who will do it privately if you “Google” it. He gave me the impression they only put grommets in children. I am going down the steroid nasal spray route. Hey ho. Hope someone finds an answer one day.

[SueX in reply to KarenFa]

Hiya - oh that's very interesting! So you are trying the nasal spray routine then. And with antihistamines also? How long until they offer you a review? I was seen in January by an NHS ENT and will be reviewed in April (I've squeezed a private consultation in also as the tinnitus was literally driving me mad).

[KarenFa in reply to SueX]

Not doing the antihistamines as well but I have tried them in the past on their own. I saw the ENT chap in December and he is going to see me again in 6 months. Having had tinnitus for 25 years I have got so used to it, except when it spikes, which is rarely. Thank goodness. I have ETD and all I want is for the tube to be opened and cleared but this seems to be an impossible task. Please let me know if you get any joy from anyone!!

[SueX in reply to KarenFa]

Will do!

[TeacherLadyRoom222 in reply to KarenFa]

I saw the ENT, who also has tinnitus, and he did tell me non of the medications I take or other interventions will put an end to tinnitus. The ENT told me, "You just have to learn to live with it. Will try.

[SueX in reply to TeacherLadyRoom222]

That's very hard to accept though isn't it.

[TeacherLadyRoom222 in reply to SueX]

Yes, very hard. Thank you for your kind response.

[SueX]

👍

[Jimbob7]

I do a regular routine with Sterimar - when ETD is "up" - morning and afternoon. It does seem to help after a couple of days of this. Doing a couple in each nostril with head right back and then swallowing. Sometimes they click - sometimes they don't - but they do eventually "equalize" and clear.

My ENT Cons. also has Tinnitus and he's very pragmatic about habituation saying 95% of us will habituate to it one way or the other. Not helpful but a little reassuring I suppose. (we got to take the breaks where we find them in this T game!)

[Caselle]

I live in France, last year had operation for ETD, balloon dilatation but it did not work. Then later had grommet put in. It helped a lot but it’s now fallen out!

[SueX in reply to Caselle]

Oh sorry to hear the balloon dilation didn't work. Re the grommets, our son had them shortly after birth and has had two sets put in surgically and 2 sets removed. When the grommets were in, did the tinnitus actually go away or just decrease in intensity?

[MAC0811]

What is ETD??

[SueX in reply to MAC0811]

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.