Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 3/14/2009

Question
Hi, I have seen an ENT and have been diagnosed with ETD & Tinnutis, (ear stuffness and ringing, pulsating and clicking sounds.) I have had a hearing exam of which the results show some hearing loss. I also had a MRI of the ear area which shows nothing. I was taking Flonase and Astilline for weeks, also motrin since prednisone makes me sick. The Astilline worked for a week and then the symptoms came back. I then had ear tubes placed in which has done nothing. I then went to a dentist who noticed that I may have Sinus and TMJ issues, I then went to a TMJ specialist who insist that because I had an earlier head injurty, (I smacked my head on a beam running in a laser tag arena with my kids), it realigned my jaw which has caused all of these problems, they want 1500 for a bite guard. I then went to a chiropractor that has only made my neck and back feel better but nothing with my ears. I am now having severe  loss of taste which is very annoying and brings down the quality of life. Should I see another ENT, a neurologist? Is there rally any cure to ETD and Tinnutis? Any suggestions??? I an very annoyed, I am 45 and its been 3 months!

Answer
Hi Christine,
I would suggest two things:  your loss of taste may or may not be due to the sinus problem. Clicking sounds in your ear may or may not be due to the TMJ problem. Clicking sounds in the ear are also characteristic of myoclonus - a rapid contraction of one of the muscles in the middle ear.  An ENT can perform a simple test to determine if this is indeed the case.  

More standard cases of ETD are handled by nasal sprays and tubes.  However, in more serious cases, there may be a physiological cause to the ETD, such as a artery or muscle that is constricting the ET. Sometimes surgery may alleviate this problem.

If the loss of taste is not due to the sinus disorder, then you need to consult a neurologist.

Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology