SC Connecticut News

• Causes of eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) include allergies, a common cold, the flu or chronic acid reflux.

• ETD may resolve on its own, but if symptoms last longer than two weeks, it's recommended to see a doctor.

• One treatment option is eustachian tuboplasty, also known as eustachian tube balloon dilation.

The same balloon procedure that is used for sinus issues can resolve eustachian tube dysfunction as well, according to Dr. Robert Weiss of CT ENT Sinus Center.

"People may not have realized it's the eustachian tube that's in play, but whenever you fly or scuba-dive, or if the weather changes, you can get that clogged sensation in your ear," Weiss told SC Connecticut News. "You feel like you have to pop your ear. Some people actually can't hear very well while it's happening."

The eustachian tube connects the airspace behind your eardrum to the back of the nose.

"What's supposed to happen?" Weiss said. "The outside air pressure is supposed to equalize with the air pressure behind your eardrum every second or microsecond, and you do that by just talking, swallowing, breathing. That little tube connecting the ear to the nose opens and allows pressure to do its thing. That's why your ear gets clogged if you're flying."

Some people are born with a eustachian tube that isn't very functional.

"Many of those people, as kids, tend to get a lot of ear infections even into adulthood," Weiss said. "Your eustachian tube can sometimes not work well, and you get all these ear problems. Also, folks with sinus, allergy problems -- anything that will cause swelling and inflammation inside your nose and sinuses will affect your eustachian tube."

Many patients with typical allergy and sinus symptoms also complain of ear symptoms, such as clogging, fullness and hearing loss.

"We address that along with all the other things," he said. "I mentioned the balloon sinus dilation for sinuses, but we can use the same balloon in the eustachian tube. It's a little different technique, but we tend to do it simultaneously. We're doing all the other stuff because we're right there. We're a centimeter away from the eustachian tube opening in the back of  the nose, and we use the balloon to open the eustachian tube."

Many patients experience benefits from the procedure, according to Weiss.

"It was, in a way, life-changing for them because they had to fly a lot for their work, let's say, and they had horrible experiences every time they flew, despite taking decongestants," he said. "When we fix their eustachian tube, it's made quite a difference."

The eustachian tube connects the middle ears to the upper throat. If the tube becomes blocked, it can lead to hearing problems, ringing in the ears, balance issues, discomfort similar to an ear infection, or a feeling of fullness in the ears, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This condition is called ETD, and it can be caused by allergies, a common cold, the flu or chronic acid reflux. The symptoms might get worse with  altitude changes.

ETD sometimes resolves on its own, but if symptoms last for more than two weeks, it's recommended to visit a doctor. At-home remedies to resolve ETD could include chewing gum, yawning, swallowing or using a saline nasal spray. People whose ETD has been caused by allergies might be able to clear up their symptoms by using an antihistamine or other over-the-counter medications. People whose ETD has been caused by an infection might be prescribed antibiotics.                

If at-home remedies or medications do not resolve ETD, a  doctor may recommend a surgical treatment. One option is eustachian tuboplasty, also known as eustachian tube balloon dilation. This surgery is relatively new and involves a doctor inserting a small balloon through the nasal passage into the eustachian tube and then inflating the balloon. The balloon remains inflated for about two minutes before the doctor deflates and removes it. Patients typically recover from this surgery within one day. 

Other surgical treatment options for ETD include myringotomy and pressure equalization tubes. During a myringotomy, the doctor makes a small incision in the eardrum, allowing fluid to drain from the middle ear. Patients typically need three to four weeks to recover. Pressure equalization tubes are placed by a surgeon inside the eardrum and allow for proper ventilation to the middle ear. The tubes are  typically left in place for 12 to 18 months.    

If you're interested in learning more about diagnosis or treatment of ETD, please take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.