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Ear drainage when using CPAP
#11
RE: Ear drainage when using CPAP
(12-10-2017, 06:41 PM)Sam Wallis Wrote: I have tubes in both ears and my CPAP causes MAJOR ear drainage. I have also had recurrent ear infections since I began using my CPAP about 11 months ago.  The drainage had been chronic for nearly nine months. 

 My ENT doctor had no idea what was causing the drainage so I researched online and found a number of reports linking CPAP and drainage, especially with tube wearers.  I decided to test for myself - 4 days without CPAP and the drainage had resolved.  I then began CPAP again and in three days both ears were draining.  Then off CPAP and drainage quit, then on and drainage began again. 

I have been on CPAP for two days then and off 2 days for about a month now which is controlling the drainage; however, that is not a good solution as I struggle with apnea on the nights I don't wear the CPAP.  I have an appointment with my ENT tomorrow to see if he has suggestions on how to handle this dilemma.  

 My hearing has become much worse over the last 6 months or so and my ENT is sending me to a specialist for evaluation to see if I need cochlear implants. (I think there is a connection between the increasing hearing loss and the CPAP use.)

PS - If I hear anything, I'll let you know. (LOL) Bigwinkis s

Well, I heard something!   My ENT specialist has scheduled me for surgery to correct the ear drainage.  He wants to permanently block my eustaschian tubes so the CPAP cannot force air up into my middle ear.  The thought of that is  scary as h*ll.
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#12
RE: Ear drainage when using CPAP
Sleeprider,

Thanks for your input.  My, "I dunno" ENT said exactly the same thing you did.  He said, "I don't know, and I can't help you, is not an acceptable answer."   He therefore referred me to another ear specialist  who then referred me to yet another ENT who specializes in middle and inner ear problems and has lots of experience dealing with ear/CPAP problems.  This Dr says a surgical procedure can help the ears.  He says I absolutely need my CPAP because of the risks of having untreated sleep apnea.  The surgery he has me scheduled for will permanently close off my eustaschian tube to prevent the CPAP from being able to force air into the middle ear.
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#13
RE: Ear drainage when using CPAP
Wow, that is a tough decision! I'm not familiar with the procedure and can't answer to the potential complications. What immediately comes to mine is how do I equalize for altitude or depth changes? You have questions, and your doctor proposing this, must have some answers. Think this through, and ask those questions. I would neither reject nor accept this procedure without further understanding. Wish I could help more, but this is as new to me as it is to you.

How serious is your apnea? Are you a candidate for Inspire Therapy that uses an electrode implant in the throat to improve patency in the upper airway? Is there a surgical alternative? I rarely suggest alternatives to CPAP, but you are an exception. Can you shed more light on your obstructive apnea so we can judge the better of two evils choice you seem to be facing?
Sleeprider
Apnea Board Moderator
www.ApneaBoard.com

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