Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

What is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Eustachian tube dysfunction can affect one or both ears.

the eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. It regulates air pressure in the middle ear by allowing air to move between the ear and nose.

It also helps to drain fluid from the middle ear space. When the eustachian tube does not function properly, air pressure, fluid, or both can build up in the middle ear.

What are the causes?

This condition happens when the eustachian tube becomes blocked or cannot open normally. This may result from:

• Ear infections.
• Colds and other upper respiratory infections.
• Allergies.
• Irritation, such as from cigarette smoke or acid from the stomach coming up into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux).
• Sudden changes in air pressure, such as from descending in an airplane.
• Abnormal growths in the nose or throat, such as nasal polyps, tumors, or enlarged tissue at the back of the throat (adenoids).

What increases the risk?

This condition may be more likely to develop in people who smoke and people who are overweight. Eustachian tube dysfunction may also be more likely to develop in children, especially children who have:

• Certain birth defects of the mouth, such as cleft palate.
• Large tonsils and adenoids.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition may include:

• A feeling of fullness in the ear.
• Ear pain.
• Clicking or popping noises in the ear.
• Ringing in the ear.
• Hearing loss.
• Loss of balance.

Symptoms may get worse when the air pressure around you changes, such as when you travel to an area of high elevation or fly on an airplane.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Your symptoms.
• A physical exam of your ear, nose, and throat.
• Tests, such as those that measure:
  • The movement of your eardrum (tympanogram).
  • Your hearing (audiometry).

How is this treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your condition. If your symptoms are mild, you may be able to relieve your symptoms by moving air into (“popping”) your ears. If you have symptoms of fluid in your ears, treatment may include:

• Decongestants.
• Antihistamines.
• Nasal sprays or ear drops that contain medicines that reduce swelling (steroids).

In some cases, you may need to have a procedure to drain the fluid in your eardrum (myringotomy). In this procedure, a small tube is placed in the eardrum to:

• Drain the fluid.
• Restore the air in the middle ear space.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Use techniques to help pop your ears as recommended by your health care provider. These may include:
  • Chewing gum.
  • Yawning.
  • Frequent, forceful swallowing.
  • Closing your mouth, holding your nose closed, and gently blowing as if you are trying to blow air out of your nose.
• Do notdo any of the following until your health care provider approves:
  • Travel to high altitudes.
  • Fly in airplanes.
  • Work in a pressurized cabin or room.
  • Scuba dive.
• Keep your ears dry. Dry your ears completely after showering or bathing.
• Do notsmoke.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your symptoms do not go away after treatment.
• Your symptoms come back after treatment.
• You are unable to pop your ears.
• You have:
  • A fever.
  • Pain in your ear.
  • Pain in your head or neck.
  • Fluid draining from your ear.
• Your hearing suddenly changes.
• You become very dizzy.
• You lose your balance.