When I was a kid, I had constant ear infections, so I got tubes in my ears and they solved the issue.

Fast forward 25 years, and I get a head cold right before a business trip and silly me, I get on the plane and BOOM - everything in my sinuses blows right into my ears.

Since that trip, fifteen years ago, the click is back. And has never stopped.

Ten years ago, I asked my GP about it, and he suggested using a nasal spray and blowing that into my eustachian tubes. And like an idiot, I did that and ended up with a MASSIVE instant double ear infection.

After that was solved, I went to an ENT who acted, as you might expect given the sub's history, like I was complaining about nothing at all. He suggested Flonase.

And now I have rosacea from the steroid in the Flonase.

I am now on a regimen of Zyrtec and daily neti. The neti gives me about 30 minutes of relief, but then it is right back with a vengeance. I've also had pressure issues when flying, and nearly always end up with some low grade ear infection when swimming anywhere but a pool.

So... is there anyone who has gone back and gotten tubes as an adult and had success? I don't swim much anymore, so there wouldn't be huge inconvenience, but I could definitely see myself accidentally washing them out.

I also heard something about 'grommets'? Is this something someone has experience with?

I don't think I'm going to try tuboplasty. I live in an area that is 10 years behind medically, and I wouldn't trust they've had enough reps at it.