Does this sound like Eustachian tube dysfunction or signs of going bi-lateral? This may or may not have something to do with it but I wanted to note that I have been on antivirals for almost 2 weeks. No improvements yet. The past week or so I have been having some pressure in my good ear and a lot of popping. Sometimes they are really big pops where I feel a release of pressure. There is also pain in my ear when I swallow. I wasn't too worried about it but a couple times already today my good ear has suddenly filled with pressure and then started humming/ringing for a minute or two. It terrified me each time. One of my biggest fears is going bi-lateral. But it is my understanding that if you feel a release of pressure when your ear pops then it is probably your Eustachian tube... is that correct? My next appointment with my neurotologist happens to be next week so I am going to get it checked out of course. I am just trying to ease some of my anxiety in the mean time.
I think if you get a release of pressure, it's almost assuredly Eustachian tube related. Strangely, I experienced much the same thing early this summer. Like, you (I think we have largely followed the same MM path), the first thing I thought of was going bilateral and the first signs of MM in my other ear. Took about 1 month, but it eventually cleared up and I've been fine since. To ease my mind, one of my ENT's agreed to test my hearing in my good ear. Fortunately, it remains tip top. I just moved to Nevada a few years ago and since arriving, I seem to get some summer allergy-related symptoms. Seems to play havoc with my Eustachian tubes, eyes, and sinuses. Don't fret.
Thanks for your reply, Michel. It really does make me feel better. I know last summer I had a few scares as well. Its just hard not to think the worst when the good ear starts ringing (I am always thinking this is the time it will start and never stop). Its crazy how Meniere's/Cochlear Hydrops can make us so sensitive to every little thing our ears do. I had my hearing tested at the end of June and the doctor said my right ear (the good ear) was still "perfect". I am getting my hearing tested on Monday so lets hope its still "perfect".
If it is related to swallowing, i automatically think e tube. It can be very hard to separate the two. Let us know what you find out please.
Could you have an ear infection? I have sharp pains in my good ear last week I had a virus that started with a stomach virus then went into head and sinus congestion and then the ear pain in my good ear. Everything is fine now.
It could be an ear infection now that you mention it. I had an unexplained low grade fever Tuesday night...
Good news about my good ear I had a ton of wax that the doctor cleared out. He is sure that the wax was causing the popping and short bursts of tinnitus because it was almost closed off by the wax. As far as my bad ear he still can't do much until I stop nursing. He wants me to call him after I stop and give me a round of prednisone and then diuretics again. Ugh. At least I am currently on antivirals (prescribed by my GP). He did give me free samples of LipoFlavonoid and said that it is safe for nursing mothers. I tried it once last year and didn't notice much difference but since he gave me a month supply for free I figured I would give it a try again.
So glad that it was just wax. My dr told me people either get that or they dont. My mother did and she had to have an ent take it out periodically.