Dizziness & ETD

[Mark Beehre]

I pinched my nose shut with my fingers and gently blew air out torwards my ears for about 5 seconds. Afterwards I was overcome with dizziness for a few seconds.

Is this normal or indicative of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)?

 

[Mad maggot]

This is a common symptom of a peri lymph fistula and more rarely sometimes a superior canal dehiscence which is a hole in the bone between the ear and brain.

 

[Mark Beehre]

That might be worth investigation further...thanks!

Although, in the 8 or so months I have been at odds with my tinnitus I haven't had any dizzy moments other than the occasional rare moment when I got up to quickly. I also don't have periods of hearing loss.

But I do have moments where my ears feel pressured and my right ear has fizzled and cracked on occasion for years, never that often maybe a few times a day if even that.

 

[Mad maggot]

That might be worth investigation further...thanks!

Although, in the 8 or so months I have been at odds with my tinnitus I haven't had any dizzy moments other than the occasional rare moment when I got up to quickly. I also don't have periods of hearing loss.

But I do have moments where my ears feel pressured and my right ear has fizzled and cracked on occasion for years, never that often maybe a few times a day if even that.

Symptoms can vary like this and still be a peri lymph fistula or the small beginnings of SCDS. Both can be fixed with surgery. But your ENT should be able to work it out if it is. When you feel dizzy on getting up too quickly it could be the ear but also could be blood pressure.

 

[Mark Beehre]

SCDS

Given that I am overweight and have a high BP I would say it's more likely the BP.

But...definitely worth pursuing!

 

[Nucleo]

Vestibular symptoms triggered by sound or pressure is indeed a strong indicator for perilymphatic fistula. Such fistulas rarely happen spontaneously but rather after a traumatic event or extreme physical exertion.

 

[Mark Beehre]

Vestibular symptoms triggered by sound or pressure is indeed a strong indicator for perilymphatic fistula. Such fistulas rarely happen spontaneously but rather after a traumatic event or extreme physical exertion.

The dizziness only happens when I blow air into my ears by holding my nose and hold it sustained for 5 or so seconds. I have recently flown in a commercial airliner and didn't experience any dizziness.

Does that diagnosis then still hold true given the change in altitude?

 

[Nucleo]

Does that diagnosis then still hold true given the change in altitude?

Barotrauma may indeed cause perilymphatic fistula. Did you experience ear pain upon ascent/descent?

 

[Jay M]

To many experts in here.

You simply put to much pressure in your middle ear, putting pressure on your inner ear and that caused your dizziness.

Don't do it again. Your fine.

 

[Mark Beehre]

Barotrauma may indeed cause perilymphatic fistula. Did you experience ear pain upon ascent/descent?

Nope. No pain. The flight went without incident beyond the spike in tinnitus from travel. I was plugged and with NC headphones for safety.

 

[Mark Beehre]

To many experts in here.

You simply put to much pressure in your middle ear, putting pressure on your inner ear and that caused your dizziness.

Don't do it again. Your fine.

I just did it again more gently without problem. Will try this again later. Thanks!

 

[Nucleo]

Nope. No pain. The flight went without incident beyond the spike in tinnitus from travel. I was plugged and with NC headphones for safety.

Then you should worry.

 

[Mark Beehre]

Then you should worry.

I should worry about what, that I might have SCDS or something else?

 

[Mad maggot]

Holding your nose and blowing against a closed throat is indeed a test the ENT does specifically looking for a peri lymph fistula. A positive sign for PF is the dizziness this causes. But this is just one of the tests. If you are concerned see an ENT as they will know if you do have a PF