Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease

For a while I have had persistent (though minor) ear problems : feeling of plugged / blocked ear, but with no apparent problems as noted following Pure Tone Audiogram and Tympanogram (when checked by ear specialist).

On examining my nasal passages, the doctor did note that they were slightly inflamed, and prescribed a course of the Nasal Spay: Triancinolone. I have used this as suggested, and it certainly does seem to reduce the inflammation of the nasal passages and helps the ears to feel better. I do still notice a feeling of slight pressure change in my left ear upon making yawning movements, though I am not in any particular discomfort.

The main reason I am writing this post is to ask your opinion on the possibility that I may have Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease related to Ankylosing Spondylitis, with which I was diagnosed 5 years ago. I am extremely fortunate in being able to keep the condition extremely mild, due to a low starch diet which I follow.

However, when the onset of the AS occured, it seemed to be a severe case, which included Iritis and extreme joint stiffness and pain. Through experimentation with my own diet, I soon discovered that the symptoms most commonly associated with AS can be erradicated through restriction of starch in my diet. I can also bring on the symptoms, by increasing my ingestion of heavy starches. I have done this on a number of occasions - each time with the same results. I am aware that the relation of bowel bacteria (and diet) and autoimmune conditions causes debate amongst professionals - however, in my case, I have found it of great benefit.

I recently read that Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease occurs when the body's immune system mistakes normal cells in the inner ear for a virus, bacteria, or other pathogen and begins attacking it, producing an inflammatory reaction in the inner ear (exactly the same process which occurs with the joints and soft tissues in AS according to Prof Ebringer). Signs and symptoms include a 'feeling that the inner ear is plugged.' The article suggests that it can be associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis. Other symptoms it continues are: Hearing loss that usually begins in one ear and moves to the other, tinnitus and dizziness - all of which I do not suffer from at the moment. Very occasionally, I experience a very high pitched tone in my ear which comes on for no apparent reason, but this disappears in a few seconds. I am told that many people experience this from time to time, and it not abnormal. Is this something that can be explained?

I would like to know your opinion and if I may have AIED. If so, is there anything else that I should be doing?

Thanks!!

Have you had your ears syringed by a nurse lately? I have to have this done every few months, don`t know if this is to do with AS, probably has something to do with it- like you say,- the connetion never occured to me before. but the noises and the blocked feeling sounds a lot like wax build up to me.
last time I had mine done I couldn`t beleive what came out!
and the releif was instant.
It only takes a few minuites, so I`d give that a go first if I was you.

Do you have a diagnosis for TMJD?