I actually have two questions, but I will start by giving you a brief history.
>From age 4 to 13 I had chronic ear infections. I had tubes in-and-out several times during this period. I had my tonsils and adenoids out at age 4. One particualar infection resulted in the deterioration of the nerve in my left ear, which is now completely deaf.
I now experience what my family doctor called "Fallen Eustachian Tube Syndrome". I very frequently (several times-a-day) have to hold my nose and gently blow to "open" my right ear to hear better. My first question is, "Is there a cure for this?" And is this a potentially harmful habit?
My second question is regarding the total hearing loss in my left ear. Are there any recent medical breakthroughs in the area of nerve regeneration or transplantation? If there are, but they are only in the experimental stage, I would be most interested in being a test-subject.
Your advice is greatly appreciated.
Reply: ----------------------------
Regarding your first question - there is probably not a "cure", as in one time treatment with permanent resolution, for the eustachian tube problem you are experiencing in your right ear. The symptoms might be improved with the regular use of a topical nasal steroid spray (Vancenase, Rhinocort, Nasacort, etc.) combined with frequent autoinflation ("popping" of the ears). Autoinflation is the easiest and simplest measure that might help - it is safe as long as one is not abrupt and overly forceful. You should stop if any vertigo is experienced. You might also consider allergy testing if you have not already done so. Ultimately another tympanostomy tube could be placed if you reach a point where it is not easy to autoinflate the ear.
As to the second question - complete loss of hearing, meaning severe and profound sensorineural hearing loss, can be treated in a number of ways: There is a type of hearing aid known as a CROS hearing aid which receives sound through an aid placed in the deaf ear and transmits it to an aid worn in the good ear. It does not provide for directional recognition of sound but can provide for awareness of sound originating on the side of the deaf ear. Another treatment measure is known as a cochlear implant - essentially an electronic "artificial ear" that is surgically implanted into the cochlea (inner ear). I would recommend a consultation with an otolaryngologist who limits his/her practice to otology or neurotology.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
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