Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is the failure of the Eustachian tube to open and/or close properly. When the Eustachian tube (the passage that leads to your middle ear) doesn’t open and/or close properly, it is usually due to the Eustachian tube being narrowed or clogged.
The Eustachian tube is a narrow tube that links the back of the nose to the middle ear. It is normally closed but opens when we swallow, yawn, or chew. Its three main functions are to:
Because the canals in the tubes are so tiny, blockages can happen for many reasons, including
All of these conditions can trigger ETD.
You may be more prone to Eustachian tube dysfunction if
Children may be more at risk for Eustachian tube dysfunction because they have much smaller Eustachian tubes and may have more frequent colds and sinus infections.
The signs and symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction include:
You should see a doctor for evaluation for Eustachian tube dysfunction if you have had symptoms for more than 2 weeks. Children with suspected Eustachian tube dysfunction should see a doctor sooner, as the symptoms are similar to an ear infection.
During your consultation, your ENT doctor will ask you questions about your hearing changes, pain in the ears, feelings of pressure, or any other underlying illness that may be causing your symptoms. Your ENT doctor will also use an otoscope to look inside the ear to check for any signs of infection or blockages.
If an underlying illness or disorder is causing your symptoms, such as allergies, you will receive treatment for the underlying illness to resolve your symptoms.
Symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction usually resolve on their own and don’t require any treatment. However, if symptoms are bothersome, you can try some home remedies to help open and close the Eustachian tube to relieve the pressure. For example, if symptoms are due to a change in altitude or air pressure, chew gum, force a yawn, swallow, drink water or have a snack. For infants, give them a bottle or pacifier to relieve symptoms.
If these home remedies don’t work, you can try self-inflation of the ears. Pinch your nose closed, hold your breath, and blow through your nose to “pop” your ears. This helps to force air through the Eustachian tube into the middle ear. (Don’t do this if you have a cold or nasal discharge because it may drive infected mucous into the middle ear and cause an ear infection.)
For more moderate symptoms, you may want to use a saline nasal spray or irrigation system to clear passageways. If allergies are causing your Eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms, an antihistamine, such as Zyrtec, Benadryl, or Claritin, may provide the desired relief.
If you suffer from persistent Eustachian tube dysfunction, you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive treatment that uses a balloon dilation system that is safe and effective.
During the procedure, the device dilates (opens up) your narrowed and clogged Eustachian tube using a small balloon.
This procedure is recommended for adults ages 18 and older with persistent ETD.
Because the procedure is minimally invasive and is done on an outpatient basis (usually in the office), you can expect a short recovery time. Since there are no cuts or incisions involved, you preserve your natural anatomy.
Also, the procedure does not require any placement of ear tubes or devices. It is a non-surgical approach to treat persistent ETD.
If you are interested in minimally invasive treatment for persistent Eustachian tube dysfunction, contact CT Sinus Center at (203) 574-5997 to schedule a consultation.
