Bad cold damages Eustachian tube
Dear Dr. Gott: I read your column everyday and enjoy it very much. Awhile ago, you had a letter from a woman who was concerned about the fact that her husband could hear a blood-flow noise in his right ear but not the left.
Several years ago, I had a bad cold and blew my nose quite hard and often. Following this, I developed a blood-flow noise in my left ear.
Concerned it was something serious, I made an appointment with my ear-nose-and-throat specialist. After a thorough examination, he told me that my Eustachian tube had been forced open, likely due to my frequent and hard nose blowing. I was told that it may never close back up but I could try deep-sea diving, which would put pressure on the tube and might close it, or I could just learn to live with it. (I used to be a deep-sea diver, so this suggestion wasn’t completely outlandish.)
It has been 15 years since the diagnosis and I still have the problem. I have learned to ignore it but know it is nothing serious. If I have a cold, the sound gets a little louder.
I know this is not always the problem if someone develops blood flowing noise in one or both of their ears, but given the alternatives, this is a much better diagnosis. I still urge everyone to see their physicians because it is the only way to be sure of what is causing the noise.
I hope this helps the woman and her husband and anyone else who may have the problem.
Dear Reader: This was not an option I had considered. Thank you for writing to inform both my readers and I of this possibility. Keep up the good work.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Ear Infections and Disorders.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
Dear Dr. Gott: In 2007, at age 90, my husband was diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. His vascular surgeon said it was so large that no stent would be available in our town at the local hospital. He made arrangements for the surgery at a nearby teaching hospital, where two surgeons performed the miraculous repair with two customized stents.
My husband is now 91 years old and a productive senior citizen who attends luncheon clubs, lodge meetings and is able to enjoy his family. We have been married 68 years and hope to have many more wonderful years ahead.
We know miracles happen, and perhaps the disgruntled “professional consumer advocate” will admit he was wrong. Our family has proof.
Dear Reader: I thought this issue had been put behind me, but then I received your letter. I felt it was important to print it because it shows what competent and caring physicians can do.
Age doesn’t always have to be a limiting factor in deciding appropriate courses of medical treatment. as your husband’s case clearly shows. Thanks for writing.