Unable to Pop My Right Ear and My Unilateral Tinnitus Is Also in the Right Ear — Any Connection?

[MarieBlair]

Hi all,

I've recently developed unilateral tinnitus. My audiogram showed mild HF hearing loss on the right side too. I don't have any pain or balance problems. I'm in mid-40s. Tinnitus is a constant high pitched whine. I also have hyperacusis which is making home-life stressful.

I'm being sent for an MRI to rule out an acoustic neuroma. I'm actually being sent for a second MRI as the first one was "unclear" . My GP has said if that's not the cause then I will just have to put up with it. I know that's a common approach/complaint.

I was wondering... I'm unable to pop my ear on the right side... Does that mean anything? Is there any chance that my problems are being caused by Eustachian Tube Dysfunction? I do have a history of sinus problems and nasal polyps in the past. That wasn't mentioned by my GP or the ENT I saw.

I'm feeling a bit frustrated currently so any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Jebbis]

I have a similar thing, I have unilateral tinnitus in my right ear, and I can still pop that ear, but for some reason it feels almost incomplete?

When I was a baby, I had chronic ear infections and they gave me tubes. Clue #1.

If you have a history of weird sinus stuff, and you can't pop your right ear, I think it's extremely likely that your tinnitus is related to Eustachian tube functionality.