Eustachian Tube Dysfunction & Ear Pressure
What Is the Eustachian tube?
The Eustachian tube is a cartilaginous and bony tube that connects the back of the nasal cavity (called the nasopharynx) to the middle ear (the air-filled space behind the eardrums).
The Eustachian tube is designed to briefly open with each swallow and yawn. Each time the tube opens, middle ear pressure is equalized to that of the outside world.
What Symptoms Does Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) Cause?
When the Eustachian tube is unable to open (whether due to anatomy or inflammation), a vacuum effect of sorts develops in the middle ear space. The pressure differential can suck back the eardrum, creating ear fullness, pain and muffled hearing.
When the condition is severe or chronic, flying and diving underwater can be extremely painful. In some cases, fluid can even become trapped behind the eardrum, further limiting hearing and putting the ear at risk of infection.
What Can Be Done to Improve ETD?
When nasal sprays and decongestants fail, other steps may be necessary to alleviate ETD. The classic solution is the placement of an ear (tympanostomy) tube, but tubes often result in a “hollow” sensation and can invite water trapping or infection in the middle ear.
Lasting, minimally-invasive solutions such as balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube can help break the cycle of ETD. Metro Sinus’ physicians have been performing these procedures since 2013, and would be happy to discuss their experience with you. Click here to learn more about how we can help.