SC Connecticut News

• Allergies and infections are the most common causes of eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).
• ETD might resolve on its own, but if symptoms last longer than two weeks, it's recommended to see a doctor.
• Treatment options include at-home remedies, prescription antibiotics or surgical procedures.

While eustachian tube dysfunction can be uncomfortable, Dr. Robert Weiss of CT ENT Sinus Center points out that there now are treatment options available for those suffering.

“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, the barometric 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. Many of our patients come in with the typical allergy symptoms and sinus symptoms, but they can also complain of a lot of ear symptoms, clogging, fullness and hearing loss.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the eustachian tube connects the middle ears to the upper throat, and when the tube is blocked it can result in hearing issues, balance problems, ringing in the ears and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ears. It also may result in pain similar to an ear infection. The issue is known as eustachian tube dysfunction.

“We address that along with all the other things,” Weiss 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.”

The Cleveland Clinic reported that ETD can result from allergies, a cold, the flu or chronic acid reflux, and the issues could get worse with changes in altitude. While ETD may resolve on its own, it is important to see a doctor if the issues persist. Antihistamines or other over-the-counter treatments can help when the ETD is caused by allergies. If ETD is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be required.

“We've had many patients who have benefited,” Weiss said of treatment options. “It was, in a way, life-changing for them because they had to fly a lot for their work, and they had had horrible experiences every time they flew, despite taking decongestants. When we fix their eustachian tube, it's made quite a difference."

When at-home remedies fall short, however, a doctor might suggest a surgical option, such as a eustachian tuboplasty, often referred to as eustachian tube balloon dilation. This is a relatively new procedure, which entails insertion of a small balloon into the nasal passage and onward to the eustachian tube where it is inflated for about two minutes. Recovery from this procedure takes about one day.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, other surgical options can include myringotomy and pressure equalization tubes. A myringotomy requires a small incision in the eardrum, which allows any fluid to exit the middle ear. Recovery takes three to four weeks. Tubes to equalize pressure are placed inside the eardrum and improve ventilation, and they remain for 12 to 18 months.

To learn more about the symptoms of sinusitis, allergies and ETD, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.