Thanks for replying to my post.

I agree with your comments, I was unaware of these complications until
now! And I thought I'd update you on the events hoping you can advise
me further.

To explain last 6.5 months: - the problem is left hand ear occurred
August 2003

At the time my ear felt really congested (no pain) and I could not
hear high frequency sounds very well. I could still hear through my
left ear abate less than my good ear. This heavy congestion was with
me for about 3 - 4 weeks and it gradually tapered off. During this
time I was prescribed antibiotics from GP as he said there was a sign
of infection, I was not in any great pain however - only slight
discomfort.

The following 8 weeks I had couple bouts or ear ache which cleared
with Sudafed.

Over the pursuing months my ear hearing improved, very slowly with
periodic sensation of ear fullness. The Tinnitus started approx 6
weeks ago. It is a high pitched whistle which seems to start getting
more noticeable early afternoon. It does not bother me to much after
if lay down for a while as it seems to ease off - stress makes it
worse - hence it's OK in the mornings. I can change the Tin intensity
and frequency by squeezing side of my head between palms. Turning my
head and looking over left shoulder intensifies the tinnitus..

The strange echo sensation I get with sudden noise varies in intensity
depending if I have ear fullness sensation at the time.  This "echo"
is can be a quiet click or a wooshing sound.

My GP says I may have an effusion, I don't have any sensation however
of fluid "moving" in my ear.

If I gently blow my nose (Vas manoeuvre) as advised by GP I hear a
couple of crackles as I pop my tubes. If I hold the pressure I can
hear a lot sharper in the left ear and the tinnitus greatly reduces,
until I release the pressure.

Looking at the internet: - Could it be that I have thick fluid (glue
ear) in the left hand side? Will it continue to get better or will
Tinnitus get worse.

Apart from waiting on ENT (I am pressuring for earlier appointment)
what else can I do? I feel if I could thin the mucus in my ear things
may get better.

A` saline spray helps my tubes to "pop" during swallowing etc.

Re

Danny

Since you can shift your hearing via changes in air pressure, it leads one to
consider the possibility of thick fluid in the middle ear space......here in
the USA a quick trip to an ENT would result in opening the eardrum and
suctioning out the fluid, perhaps, or putting in some pressure equalization
tubes.  You can get a glue ear from this where the fluid dries up and sticks to
everything and that can be a real problem.............

What do the MDs here say?

Sounds like eustachian tube dysfunction............maybe?

MJ