Ear Infections

[snorlox]

Has anybody had problems with ear infections while on CPAP.

I was just getting compliant when I got the mother of all ear infections. I have only had 20% hearing in each ear for about a month now. The ENT says my problem is probably not caused by the CPAP, but using it wont help things along. My pressure is aroung 13 mm and I have problems with it pressureinzing my ears.

[NyNurse33]

I would think that it is highly possible that you got an ear infection from post nasal drainage in combination with cpap. Maybe the pressure doing something with the eustachian tubes combined with fluid made a good breeding ground for an infection. Also, some peope tend to have more sinus problems while using cpap and sinus problems can be related to ear infections. I know for me, I was having this "fullness" in my ears and what feels like fluid. My MD finally agreed that maybe I was in need of lower pressure or variable pressure and agreed to let me try auto titrating.

[birdshell]

As the original ear infection girl in my early childhood (pre-tubes--now I would probably have had them), it is nothing new to me to have the hearing tests and the sickness and to function. Basically, being unable to hear well sucks.

I have a slight permanent hearing loss in the right ear. I had my tonsils and adenoids out almost the first moment I was 4 years old. Then, that was the minimum age at which doctors wanted to that type of surgery.

When I used the CPAP, it was one of the surprises of my life to have the air pressurized and clearing my Eustachian tubes! This is wonderful, to me, as I've tried for approximately a third of my life (or so it seems) to equalize the pressure. Then I could HEAR again.

Although I've only had the CPAP system for 6 months, based on my experience I would also be surprised if that was the initial cause of your infection. I wouldn't be surprised if the pressurized air from the CPAP pushed the infected fluids a bit farther into your sinuses and ears. Maybe if you had been acclimated to the pressure or using it right along, it would have been a different story.

It is my feeling that if I were to be ill, it might be alleviated by the CPAP pressure clearing my ears--that is, if the nose is unstuffed enough to let in enough air. My Eustachian tubes being clogged seems to keep them from draining the excess fluid.

This is my opinion, not documented fact, so please just take this for whatever value you may find in it. Get well soon. It is the BEST feeling when those ears clear up--although noise seems louder than normal for a short time!

It always reminds me that my friend, with a moderate hearing loss, hears as if she has plugged Eustachian tubes all the time. Well, that is, unless one is in another room planning a surprise birthday party for her in whispers....

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[OwlCreekObserver]

Has anybody had problems with ear infections while on CPAP.

I hadn't had an ear infection since I was a kid, but that streak ended about three weeks ago. A week of antibiotics cleared up the infection But I'm still in the process of recovering normal hearing in one ear.

I personally believe that I managed to set up the "perfect storm" of CPAP, a head cold, and a sinus rinse system that I decided to try.

My doc told me to stop using the sinus rinse for three or four days while the antibiotics did their thing. I went him one better: the kit is now in a landfill somewhere. I can't quite do that with the CPAP, but since I think it was just part of the equation, I'm hopeful that it won't happen again.

OCO

[birdshell]

(snip)

My doc told me to stop using the sinus rinse for three or four days while the antibiotics did their thing. I went him one better: the kit is now in a landfill somewhere.

(snip)

OCO

My allergist/immunologist prescribed the saline nasal wash for me to help control the frequent sinus infections I developed (which could progress into full-blown ear infections plus entire upper respiratory infections). He does not recommend to do so with the entire sinus cavity system.

In fact, if I have not used the saline nasal wash for a day or two when I see him, he practically has a fit. This is kind of an interesting thing to watch in a doc born in India.... But, I know he has my best interests in mind. He has been a big help to me, and ordered my sleep study.

[Sleepless in St. Louis]

Sometimes my ears pop in the morning after using xpap such as you'd feel during an airplane flight. It's all connected in there so cpap could contribute to ear issues I would think. I'd be concerned if it remains an ongoing problem.