Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 5/15/2008

Question
I have had ear popping daily,(some days more severe than others) occasional post nasal drip and occasional dizziness since January 2008. I say an ENT who diagnosed me with ETD, Chronic Sinusitis,TMJ and Seasonal Allergies. She did no testing with equipment, just observation. I did have fluid in my ears but was told at my last appt it was gone. She says this is a result of allergies(in the middle of winter?)but I can see no connection between worsening symptoms and weather. She prescribed me Flonase and a pill form antihistamine. I saw no improvement. This ENT has no personality to speak of and no bedside manner(she has literally yanked my ear down to her level instead of coming to it!) Who do you recommend I see next or what tests would be good to get done? It is more irritating than debilitating at this point.

Answer
Hi Tracie,
ENTs are highly trained to diagnose these conditions by just looking, and by the description of your symptoms, I would say she is right on the money.  However, if you do not like this particular doctor, then you should try to find a new ENT.  Ask your friends, or your family doctor for recommendations. And, yes, you can have allergies in winter.  Heating systems are known for spreading allergens. Also, the heat will dry out your nasal passages and make symptoms worse.  If you cannot find an ENT, you should find an audiologist who can test your hearing and perhaps recommend another ENT.  Sometimes it takes several different trials with medicines to find the one that works.  You may also want to consult your Dentist about your TMJ.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified Doctor of Audiology