Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 8/19/2008

Question
Since March I started having trouble with both ears. Thinking it was wax I cleaned them out but they got worse. Went to the clinic and was told I had wax in them. I then went to an ear doctor and he cleaned them out. But unfortunately they continued to feel as if they were clogged. The dotor checked again and said they were fine. Told me to come back in two months if they were no better. Gave me a nasal med to keep passages open. They didn't get better but I discovered that whenever I went into air conditioning they would close up within 5 - 10 min. I found out if I put my head between my legs the ears would open but would re close after a few minutes. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer
Hi Dottie,
Did the ear doctor performed any hearing tests?  He should have dome, at th every least, tympanometry which would measure the function of your middle ear.  It sounds as if you may have a Eustachian tube dysfunction.  This would be especially true if you have any allergies or sinus problems.  My suggestion would be to continue with the nasal medication or try a different medication to try and open your nasal passages and possibly drain your sinuses. That would help with the Eustachian tube as well.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology