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cpap with perforated ear drum
I have sleep apnea and have not been able to use my machine for over 6 months. I lost my job and had a second sleep study done before my insurance ran out and they turned the machine up in pressure. I moved out of state not long after and within a week or so I felt pain in my ear and could not use the machine anymore because the air continues to open the perforation in my ear that I believe it caused to begin with. The ear is not healing and I have no medical insurance and am in the long wait and fight for medicaid. I am not sleeping for more than an hour at a time and have tried 3 different prescription medications and many over the counter meds as well to no avail. Is there a way to have the pressure turned down on a machine without seeing a sleep specialist or would there be any advice on how to help my ear to heal or at least do something to be able to wear the cpap at the volume it is currently set at? I was afraid ear plugs or something might cause more damage.
Best Answer
I have a perforated eardrum and I use my cpap on a level 14 every night! You need to plug your ear with a soft silicone ear plug like "Mack." These are sold all over, even at Walmart. These have flanges to keep air and water out, so you can also wear it while showering. Hope this helps!
I do swim occasionally and I was an avid swimmer when I was younger. I have been to the doctor and they said they couldn't really do anything about it. I have not been to an ENT or Sleep specialist yet due to lack of funds. I just miss sleeping and cannot use the CPAP machine.
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Treatment of tympanic membrane perforation (TMP) falls into 3 categories. No treatment is necessary for nonswimming patients with minimal hearing loss and no history of recurrent ear infection. A hearing aid may prove the only necessary treatment for patients with symptomatic hearing loss but no infection or swimming history. Other than that you can get a typanoplasty done.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.