One Year & A Perforated Eardrum Later

One Year & A Perforated Eardrum Later

Photo by Sarah Mullins

My ear trauma and hearing loss journey has been quite harrowing! After years of back & forth, I was referred to UVA a few months ago and attended an appointment last Wednesday. Leading up to my appointment my ears seemed to continually decline. The Friday before, I had a terrible flare-up and couldn’t participate in everyday activities. In a panic, I called my doctor who suggested I take ibuprofen—so helpful. That week I headed up to the audiologist and ENT at the University of Virginia.

After a long and quite emotional visit, they insisted it was ETD, (Eustachian Tube Dysfunction). But due to childhood ear infections, tubes, and failed eardrum repairs, it has really taken a toll on my ears. My doctors said that the surgeries I begrudgingly endured were not the best treatment plan, and had actually caused more issues than anything. (If you’ve been following along for a while, or know me, you know it is particularly upsetting after my last procedure). The perforated eardrums help my ears adjust to pressure change and help reduce pressure and ear pain. They recommended me to an allergist and wrote me a note for school, as well as a note for a hearing aid fitting.

The bad news—there isn’t much to do about my suspicions of having Meniere's Disease. I’m already on the medication I need, and taking extra measures to reduce exposure and reaction to allergens but have not seen improvements. My fatigue, dizziness, vertigo, and tinnitus are here to stay. The good news—I finally qualify for hearing aids!

The overall appointment was bittersweet. I am still processing everything, and learning new ways to manage symptoms. Thank you for following along on my health journey, and hope to spread awareness for others walking through the same season!