Columbus Standard

Indianapolis Sinus Center can provide relief to patients who are suffering from eustachian tube pain or discomfort.

The doctors at Indianapolis Sinus Center use eustachian tube balloon dilation, which is similar to the procedure used for blocked sinuses, to gently open the blocked eustachian tube, according to otolaryngologist Dr. Anthony Sanders.

"People who suffer from eustachian tube dysfunction have one or more of several symptoms," Sanders told the Columbus Standard. "These include ear fullness, inability to pop your ears easily when flying on an airplane or driving through hills, getting recurrent middle ear infections or ear effusions with hearing loss and pressure or fullness. Recent advancements of balloon dilation have proven to be highly effective to improve the eustachian tube function and the resulting ear problems."

Eustachian tubes are small tubes that run between the middle ears and upper throat. They are responsible for equalizing ear pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear, the part behind the eardrum. The eustachian tubes are usually closed, except for when a person chews, swallows or yawns, according to Healthline. These passageways are small in size and can get plugged for a number of reasons. Blocked eustachian tubes can cause pain, hearing difficulties and a feeling of fullness in the ears. Such a phenomenon is referred to as eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).

"Conditions that affect the nose, such as chronic sinus infections or allergies or adenoid problems -- which sit right next to the eustachian tubes -- can all negatively impact the eustachian function," Sanders said. "When you look at a patient who's having that issue, generally the interior of the eustachian tube is all swollen and oftentimes full of mucus. So the sinus condition definitely impacts people's ability to pop their ears effectively."

According to Healthline, ETD is a relatively common condition. Depending on the cause, it may resolve on its own or through simple at-home treatment measures. Severe or recurring cases, however, may require a visit to the doctor.

"You use a balloon inserted in the opening of the eustachian tube and dilate it for two minutes on whichever side, or both sides, that are involved with the problem," Sanders said. "And  that carries with it an excellent chance of improving eustachian function."

If you think you could benefit from a visit to the doctor for your ears, sinuses or allergies, please take this free online quiz.