What You Should Know About Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and Treatment Options

Ear pain and discomfort can be bothersome to manage. Chronic ear pressure and pain can take away from one’s quality of life and stop them from accomplishing daily tasks and enjoying their favorite hobbies.

During normal activities like yawning, chewing, sneezing, and swallowing, the Eustachian tubes open to help regulate pressure and prevent fluid buildup in the ears. However, sometimes these tubes can become blocked, leading to a sensation of fullness in the ears and muffled hearing. This condition is known as Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.

What Is the Eustachian Tube?

The Eustachian tubes are small passageways made of bone and cartilage that connect the middle ears to the back of the throat. Their primary purpose is to drain fluid from the middle ears and maintain balanced air pressure inside the ears.

When you sneeze, yawn, chew, or swallow, your Eustachian tubes open to help regulate air pressure and prevent fluid buildup in the middle ear. They also play a crucial role in protecting your middle ear and maintaining clear hearing.

Healthcare providers may also refer to the Eustachian tubes as auditory or pharyngotympanic tubes.

What Is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

In some cases, the Eustachian tubes can become blocked, leading to a sensation of fullness or pain in the ears, along with muffled sounds. This condition is known as Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD).

The tubes can become inflamed and swollen due to upper respiratory issues like allergies or the common cold. This inflammation prevents proper fluid drainage, increasing pressure in the ears and causing discomfort, a feeling of fullness, or difficulty hearing.

While ETD can affect anyone, it is more common in children than adults.

There are three types of EDT:

  • Obstructive eustachian tube dysfunction: The eustachian tubes remain closed and don’t open as they should. This causes fluid and ear pressure buildup leading to pain in the ears.
  • Patulous eustachian tube dysfunction: The eustachian tubes remain open and don’t close as they should. This causes sound to travel from the nasal cavities to the ears, causing voice changes.
  • Baro-challenge-induced eustachian tube dysfunction: Like in obstructive ETD, the eustachian tubes don’t open as they should but the pain and pressure buildup in the ears only occur during altitude changes.

What Are the Symptoms of ETD?

  • The ears feel full
  • Muffled or dulled hearing
  • Pressure or pain in the ears
  • Ringing or buzzing in the ears (also known as tinnitus)
  • Balance issues
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Popping or clicking sounds in the ears

What Causes ETD?

Eustachian tube dysfunction is most commonly caused by inflammation and swelling of the tube which causes fluid build-up. The inflammation may be due to the common cold, flu, a sinus infection, allergies, or chronic acid reflux.

Changes in altitude are also a common cause of ETD and may worsen the condition. Flying in an airplane, scuba diving, or going up and down a mountain can all be risk factors for ETD.

Additionally, some people are more at risk of developing ETD including children, people with obesity, and people who smoke.

What Are the Treatment Options for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

Eustachian tube dysfunction is diagnosed by a healthcare provider via a thorough physical exam. Your doctor will examine your nasal passages, eardrums, ear canals, and the back of your throat. They will also ask about your symptoms to gain further insight into your condition.

ETD typically goes away on its own so treatment isn’t always necessary. However, you might need necessary interventions if your symptoms last for more than two weeks.

Treatment options for ETD vary, depending on the severity of the symptoms and their underlying cause:

  • Exercises like yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum can help get rid of the feeling of fullness in the ears.
  • Try the Valsalva maneuver. Pinch your nostrils closed, keep your mouth closed, and breathe out forcefully through your nose.
  • Decongestants and saline nasal sprays can break down mucus buildup, clear out the nasal passages, and reduce swelling in the tubes.
  • Antihistamines can reduce swelling caused by allergic reactions.
  • Corticosteroids may also help with reducing inflammation.
  • Pain relievers can reduce pain and discomfort in the ears due to fluid and pressure buildup.
  • If your symptoms are due to infections, your physician might recommend a round of antibiotics.
  • If medications don’t seem to work, your doctor might suggest surgery. Options include:
    • Eustachian tube balloon dilation (or Eustachian tuboplasty) is a procedure that involves inflating a balloon in the eustachian tubes to expand them.
    • Myringotomy is a procedure where the surgeon makes a tiny incision in the eardrum to suction out and drain fluid buildup in the middle ear.
    • Ear tube implants involve placing ear tubes into the incision made during a myringotomy. This procedure promotes proper middle ear ventilation, preventing fluid and pressure buildup. The tube implants stay in the eardrums for up to 18 months before they fall out on their own.

Let Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center Help Ease Your Worries About ETD

While Eustachian Tube Dysfunction is typically not dangerous and doesn’t require emergency medical intervention, it can be painful and uncomfortable, particularly for children who are more prone to the condition. If left untreated, however, it can lead to more serious complications and health concerns.

At Sinus & Allergy Center, we are determined to help our patients find answers to ear health concerns and find the right treatment for ETD concerns. Schedule a consultation with us today and let’s get you on the road towards better ear health!