Overcoming Patulous Eustachian Tube: Multiple Surgeries, Mental Health, and Finding Relief | Episode 3
Emily is the very first guest on this podcast, and her story brings a powerful voice to the realities of living with Patulous Eustachian Tube (PET). She faced debilitating symptoms beginning in 2016, enduring constant autophony that turned every word into a megaphone and every heartbeat into overwhelming noise. After losing 85 pounds, her condition intensified and led her through years of failed procedures, traumatic surgeries, hearing loss, and a mental health crisis that forced her to leave her career. In this episode, Emily shares her experience navigating multiple PET treatments, the creation of the Collinson Foundation, and the profound relief she finally found after years of searching for answers.
In this episode, Simone and Emily will discuss:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:19) Meet Emily: A Fellow Sufferer
(02:54) Emily's Journey with Patulous Eustachian Tube
(05:13) Medical Procedures and Challenges
(06:07) The Impact of Weight Loss on Symptoms
(07:39) Exploring Treatment Options
(09:15) The Emotional and Mental Toll
(21:46) Creating Awareness and Support
(34:12) Closing Thoughts and Hope
Guest Bio:
Emily is a Patulous Eustachian Tube advocate, author, and founding board member of the Collinson Foundation for Patulous Eustachian Tube (PET). After an eight-year journey through multiple procedures and surgeries to treat her debilitating rare ear disorder, she has dedicated herself to raising awareness and providing resources for PET patients worldwide.
Emily’s Resources:
Emily’s Books on Amazon: https://a.co/d/f8KI8yz [https://a.co/d/f8KI8yz]
The Link for my book on Facebook Marketplace: facebook.com/marketplace/item/2002972693873762/ [https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2002972693873762/]
LinkedIn Page for the Foundation (Under Construction): www.linkedin.com/in/collinson-foundation-for-patulous-eustachian-tube-429b9a367 [http://www.linkedin.com/in/collinson-foundation-for-patulous-eustachian-tube-429b9a367]
About the Author, Emily Rodvold
Emily Rodvold is a patient advocate and writer who has lived with Patulous Eustachian Tube (PET) since 2016. Her journey began with a baffling set of symptoms that turned her life upside down—autophony, aural fullness, and the constant echo of her own voice. What followed was a years-long battle across states, surgeries, and specialists in search of relief from a condition so rare it often felt like chasing Bigfoot.
In addition to living with PET, Mrs. Rodvold also manages multiple chronic illnesses, including Rheumatoid Arthritis, hypothyroidism, and the long-term effects of bariatric surgery. Her experience navigating complex medical systems, misdiagnoses, and the mental health impact of chronic illness led to her hospitalization for Major Depressive Disorder, Severe Anxiety, and PTSD. She credits her recovery to intensive therapy, family support, and her own unrelenting determination to be heard and to help others who live between echoes and silence.
This book, Strength for the Thunder Inside, was born out of necessity—a guide she wished she had when her symptoms began. It blends medical research, personal storytelling, and hard-won wisdom to offer comfort, clarity, and community to those who feel isolated by their diagnosis. Mrs. Rodvold’s hope is that by sharing her story, others will feel seen, validated, and empowered to keep going, even when the path feels uncertain.
She lives in Idaho with her husband, where she works remotely and continues to advocate for better awareness, research, and compassion for those living with invisible illnesses.
My Resources:
My WhatsApp: +49 170 703 49 84
My Instagram: @simone.kriener and @earpodcast
My LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simone-kriener-0622b8281/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-kriener-0622b8281/]
My Facebook: Simone Kriener
My Website: www.starseed-transformation.com [https://www.starseed-transformation.com/] and www.tomatis-bergischesland.com [https://www.tomatis-bergischesland.com/]
