First, thank you very much for taking the time to read this message.

For the past 15 years I've been suffering from a series of symptoms affecting my ears. This has brought an immense amount of suffering to my life and has rendered me severely incapacitated; impacting all aspects of my life. From what I've been able to learn the problem appears to be related to the functioning of the Eustachian Tubes. However, it does not appear to be patulous eustachian tube dysfunction based on the fact that some symptoms differ quite significantly.

These are some of my symptoms:

• My ears feel 'open' as when one performs the Vassalva Maneuver. My head feels 'hollow' and 'unsealed' from the exterior environment.
• My sinuses are completely dry all of the time.
• I often have difficulty swallowing. It goes down the wrong 'pipe' and provokes a prolonged coughing attack. This happens most frequently when drinking water.

The following things make these symptoms worse

• Straining as when going to the bathroom or lifting heavy objects.
• Swallowing while holding my nostrils closed with my fingers is extremely unpleasant. I feel a strong sensation of 'suction' in my ears and sounds becomes muffled.
• Yawning
• Being in the supine position or standing with my head between my legs.
• Blowing against resistance as in blowing up balloons.
• Exercising
• Speaking loudly or yelling (due to the increase in strain in the head).

I also suffer from these related and diagnosed symptoms
• Hyperacusis
• Tinnitus
• TMJ

Any feedback, suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.....