Speaking of ears - ear tubes for adults?

[Hillbeans]

About 8 weeks ago I had a cold in my ear, and I didn't go to the doctor for it at the time, however for the last few weeks i've been really dizzy (I thought it may have been stress, no sleep b/c of the baby, etc). I went to the doctor at lunch and found out i've got fluid in my inner ear and I can't hear anything in my right ear per a hearing test. That ear unfortunately is the one i've had a problem with for the last 2 years with swimmers ear. The Doctor suggested ear tubes - HELP?

What are Ear tubes and what do they do? Is it painful to get them put in? Will it help clear up the recurring fluid in the ear issue? Dizzyness?

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with them. I go again on the 14th of next month for a follow-up hearing test.

 

[SC Minnie]

My mother had fluid in hers and had to have tube a couple if years ago. Its basically the same thing they do for kids. Her ears finally cleared up after they put them in. It is done as an outpatient.

It is a tiny little tube they helps the inner ear drain -- (that's my understanding please forgive me if I am wrong because I am not a doctor nor do I play one on tv)

 

[barkley]

my brother (in his early 60's) and i were just discussing this the other nite. he has had chronic ear problems his entire life (ear infections from childhood through adulthood). he finaly opted to have ear tubes inserted back a few years ago. he said he has never had such instantious discomfort/pain relief in his life. when the tubes were inserted there was a release of fluid and pressure such that he could not believe it. he said that once he had the procedure done it seemed to allow his ears to fully drain and heal such that he has had a far reduced instance of reinfection over the past several years.

 

[DisneyConvert]

It's a long story, but my eustachian tubes were chronically filled with fluid for most of my early 40's . . . Somewhat heriditary as both my parents have had trouble there. . . I found it uncomfortable and it limited me.

Tried the temporary ones and my hearing was restored until they fell out naturally.

A few months later, I bit the bulllet and got the "permanent" ones.

My hearing is restored, but scuba diving is now out of the question.
Swimming is ok with ear plugs.

PM me if you want to know more.

 

[Hillbeans]

Disneyconvert - Interesting you said about the Scuba Diving because after I got certified 7 years ago, I got a horrible infection which I think started the series of ear infections i've had each year. Thanks for the info.

I'll post an update after my next appt on the 14th.

 

[lovingthemouse]

Incredible that I should see your posting - just today, my ear doctor told me I need a tube in my left ear - have had fluid in there for 3 months- we have tried all kinds of meds to no avail... came about as a result of chronic sinusitis. Traveling to WDW the same week I have the tube put in (right in the office). I have had no pain, just felt like i heard through a fog tunnel, and the hearing test showed a slight decrease in hearing. I am 59 and this is the first I have heard of adults having this problem. Good luck to you too Hillbeans.