Hey,

I am having problems with my ears and no one (including the ENT) can figure it out. I am posting to this board because I believe I suffered a mild TBI

I was involved in an explosion in Iraq 2 months ago. I didn't hit my head on anything, but the force of the explosion threw me forward and the sound waves litterally knocked the wind out of me. I wasn't knocked out (I don't think), but when I got up I was dazed..kind of out of it a few minutes. I went to the hospital and was told I suffered a concussion. I had tinnitus(ears ringing) and headaches for a week afterward.

Approx two weeks later...very suddenly....both ears plugged up and I was getting horrendous headaches. Dr (general Physician) thought ear infection(s) and gave me antibiotics. They did not help and ear pain continued to get worse. At the time, my Dr was aware of the blast injury but didn't think the two were related.

After I got home, I suffered significant pain for weeks while I was drugged on Tramadol and they tried everything (Flonase, Claritin, etc.) to drain my ears with no luck. I saw ENT and she said she has never seen as severe case of Eustacian Tube Dysfunction in an adult. I eventually got ear tubes last week after the pain became too much to bear--my eardrums began to perforate(sp?) under the pressure and I was at risk of bursting my eardrums.

The tubes helped...but I still am getting pressure behind the ears (even with the tubes). My ears are leaking, so I know the tubes are working...but I've noticed my hearing has gotten worse with the tubes. I thought they were supossed to improve hearing?

Does anyone have any ideas? Also, has anyone ever heard of a concussion(mTBI) or very loud noise causing such ear problems? There is nothing on the internet--but the pain and pressure are very real.

All I can find for causes on the internet are sinus problems...but I haven't had any allergies or ear infections for years. I haven't had any other symptoms of a cold/sinus probs...no runny nose or cough or anything.

Thanks.

Nate