Hi....it is very possible for our ears to cause us issues bcuz of the location of the Chiari, the nerves affected, our sinus cavity as well as our Eustachian tubes...Chiari can affect all aspects of our body's functions...
Since it is most likely a neuro issue ...until the compression is released it may come and go/.
Have u had a CINE MRI to see if u have a CSF obstruction?
Thanks Selma!
I have not yet had a CINE MRI, I'm curious as well to see if there is any CSF obstruction. I go to the Neuro next month, it will be my first time to see him as I've been seeing an orthopedic doctor who referred me to the neuro when they found the syrinx. I will make sure to mention this.
Keep in mind u will also have to rule out ALL related conditions as well....so many have the same symptoms so it is hard to know which symptoms are from which condition.
I dealt with "clogged" ears for a year or more. They flushed them. They gave me antibiotics for sinus infection. Nothing helped. So, finally went to an ENT, he talked to me for like 5 mins and said I had TMJ (arthritis in the jaw). It is caused by grinding your teeth. So, now I sleep with a mouth guard & that has never happened again. But, I do have perm hearing loss from my jaw staying swollen for soooo long. The swelling pushes on the back of your ear drum. So, I would get it looked at ASAP, if I were you!!!
Thank you for the insight. I will talk to my doc to see about going to an ENT :) I have a "cookie cutter" hearing loss, so I'm all about not losing any more than I already have.
*Cookie Bite" hearing loss that is, not cookie cutter...lol.
Question....do u and ur Drs feel ur Cookie Bite hearing loss is due to Chiari or hereditary?
I find this quite interesting as I have not have neone on the forum discuss this type of hearing loss b4.
Hi Selma!
I'm not sure yet as I'm still trying figure out Chiari and if I do have it. My sister and I have always had this type of hearing loss (my twin sister). I don't think it is due to Chiari, but I do think we were born with this type of loss.
On a semi related note, I was able to view my mom's MRI because she has been having the same neck/headache issues. It looks like clear Chiari to me and she has perfect hearing. So, we will both being seeing the Neuro next month.
Keep in mind, not everyone with Chiari, even in the same family will experience the same symptoms....the fact u r a twin may be a reason u share a type of hearing loss, and it may not be Chiari related....so keep an open mind regardless of what the Dr says as it may take a few diff Drs to get to the bottom of what all is going on with all of u.
Good luck next month and do keep us posted on what u find out.
Hello,
Wanted to send a quick note. I went to the neuro in April, and he does not believe I have Chiari, I'm relieved.
However, I knew there was something going on still, and a friend of mine recommended a holistic type approach to helping find answers to what I had been experiencing. As it turns out, my iron count was much too high and my Vitamin D was much too low. With further testing, I was told I have a gene mutation, MTHFR, just a few weeks back. With the research I've been doing and the help of my non-traditional doctor, I am hoping to see some improvement by taking Vitamin B and D and Betaine (which helps digest food). I was also told to not eat red meat and stay away from large amounts of Vitamin C.
I'm hoping that my "symptoms" are all directly related to the gene mutation, as it's something I've had my whole life. It even explains why my face would always get so flushed after eating. And, it explains the Syrinx I have in my lower back as well as the horrible migraines I experience and the dizziness and lack of balance I have. Just wanted to spread awareness and to provide an update :)
Vitamin levels should always be checked as they can account for many symptoms including HA's and dizziness..even numbness...Vits B12, D and then magnesium and potassium are very important as well....
Yup I too was told to stay away from red meat, but then had an issue with low protein levels...so it is a difficult one to find balance....
I pray you have your answers and you begin to feel better each day...do keep us posted on your progress <3