“ ALS Hearing “ Chapter 166
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
Last year around this time I was having a hard time hearing, and no, it wasn’t an excuse to ignore Laura and my kids. As the weeks went by, my hearing continued to decline and the volume went up on everything else.
In Chapter 100 I discussed how I heard ringing and horns in my head. The specialist ran some tests and discovered that I was collecting fluid in my middle ear, but since I can't cough or blow my nose, and I no way to get it out.
In Chapter 103 I got temporary tubes put in so the fluid would drain out, and I wrote about how I instantly felt better and was hearing better than ever. I enjoyed my new hearing for about 6 months before the right ear tube fell out and things were muffled again, like I'd just gone swimming.
About a week ago, my left ear started feeling like maybe that tube had come out, and my hearing was gone again. Fortunately I already had an ENT appointment scheduled for the same week for my 6 month trachea change. I already knew the middle ear fluid was back since I just can't drain our ears like others do. My regular ENT Dr. was in a surgery the day of my appointment, so my champion Laura stepped up as usual and convinced the doctor to do the procedure again.
As I laid there, I had a great view of the monitor the doctor used to see as he sliced through my eardrum. It didn’t hurt too badly because of the numbing cream he used. As the opening was exposed on the monitor, I could see the fluid sitting in my ear. The sound of him sucking out the fluid was as loud as standing next to a freight train. Here’s another thing for my fellow PALS reading this post - since I couldn't move or scream out in pain, I continue to be the perfect patient. Thankfully, though, as soon as the train passed, the sweet sounds of crickets returned.
The ENT recommended permanent tubes next time., but for now, I hope this helps. ALL ABOARD!
Love and Blessings
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You're a very strong man, David. I hope you soon get a permanent solution to your middle ear fluid buildup!
~Sherry Campbell
David, is there any way to tell him your experiences so the next time you don't have the pain, or is there just nothing he can do about it? I am so sorry you have to keep going through this!