Celine Dion, the legendary Canadian singer and icon, has been entertaining millions across the world for over 30 years.
Her powerful voice, chart-topping albums, and mesmerizing performances have earned her a place in the music industry’s hall of fame. Over time, she has amassed a loyal fan base and has become a beloved figure both on and off stage.
However, few people know that the singer has been battling a rare neurological disorder that has caused her severe pain and affected her ability to perform. In this article, we take a closer look at the disease that has been tormenting Celine Dion and explore what it means for her career and health.
What is the Rare Neurological Disorder that Celine Dion has?
Celine Dion suffers from a condition known as Patulous Eustachian tube, which is a rare and little-known neurological disorder that affects the Eustachian tubes in the middle ear.
The Eustachian tubes are responsible for keeping the pressure in the ears equal to the pressure outside the body. In people with Patulous Eustachian tube, these tubes remain open most of the time, causing discomfort, pain, and a sense of fullness in the ears.
The condition is also known as a “sticky ear” and is thought to be caused by a malfunction in the muscles that control the Eustachian tubes. The disorder is rare, and not much is known about its cause, symptoms, or treatment.
The disease is also hard to diagnose, and patients often suffer for years before receiving proper medical attention.
How is Patulous Eustachian tube affecting Celine Dion?
Celine Dion first opened up about her struggles with Patulous Eustachian tube in 2019 when she was forced to cancel several of her shows due to health reasons.
In a statement, she said, “I’ve been experiencing discomfort with my ears, and although this is not a serious condition, it’s causing me enough discomfort to need to take some time off to rest and recuperate.”.
Since then, her condition has worsened, and the singer has been very vocal about the debilitating impact it has had on her life.
In an interview with ABC News, she revealed that the disorder makes her feel as though she is “hearing herself as she sings,” making it hard for her to “find her own pitch.” She also said that the condition causes her great pain and that she feels like “someone opened a water tap in her ears.”.
The condition has also affected her ability to perform, leading her to cancel many of her shows and forcing her to take time off to recuperate.
In the same interview, she said, “It’s been a long, long, long time since I’ve been so excited and nervous at the same time. My life is a whole new challenge for me, and I will do my best to be amazed by it every day.”.
What are the Treatment Options for Patulous Eustachian Tube?
As mentioned earlier, Patulous Eustachian tube is a rare condition, and not much is known about its cause or treatment.
However, there are a few options available for patients suffering from the condition, including medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes.
Medications: Some antihistamines and nasal sprays may help reduce the symptoms of the disease. However, the effectiveness of these medications is not well-documented, and they may cause unwanted side effects.
Surgery: In some severe cases, surgery may be an option to treat the condition. The surgery involves a small incision in the eardrum, through which a small tube is inserted to regulate airflow and pressure in the ear.
However, this is a risky operation and is not always successful.
Lifestyle changes: Some lifestyle changes may also help alleviate the symptoms of Patulous Eustachian tube. These include maintaining proper hydration, avoiding loud noises, and avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures.
How is Celine Dion coping with Patulous Eustachian tube?
Despite the challenges posed by her condition, Celine Dion has not let it dampen her spirits. She has continued to perform and create music, even as she battles the disease.
“I have a little thing that I have to take care of, but I’m doing okay,” she said in an interview with People magazine.
The singer has also taken steps to manage her condition, including making adjustments to her performances to suit her needs.
“It hasn’t been an easy journey, but I’m feeling better, and it’s been a pleasure to sing for my fans,” she said in an interview with ABC News.
Celine Dion has also been a vocal advocate for awareness and support for those suffering from rare and little-known diseases like Patulous Eustachian tube. “I think we need to talk more about it.
The more awareness we raise, the more we’ll be able to help people who suffer from these conditions,” she said in an interview with People magazine.
Conclusion
Celine Dion is undoubtedly one of the most talented and beloved singers of our time. Her music has touched millions of hearts worldwide, and she has inspired countless audiences with her powerful voice and performances.
However, her struggles with Patulous Eustachian tube have added a new dimension to her story, highlighting the challenges that come with living and performing with a rare neurological disorder. Despite the trials she has faced, Celine Dion continues to fight and inspire millions, proving that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can shine through.