Columbus Standard

• Eustachian tubes are connected to the sinuses.
• Symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunction include ear pain, hearing difficulties and a feeling of fullness in the ears.
• Treatment options for ETD include antihistamines, decongestants and balloon dilation.

According to Healthline, eustachian tubes are small tubes that run between the middle ears and the upper throat. They are responsible for equalizing ear pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear, the part of the ear behind the eardrum. The eustachian tubes are usually closed except during chewing, swallowing or yawning.

These passageways are small in size and can get plugged for a variety 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 is a relatively common condition. Depending on the cause, it may resolve on its own or through simple at-home treatment measures, such as chewing gum, yawning or using a saline nasal spray. Severe or recurring cases, however, may require a visit to the doctor.

"Things that affect the nose -- such as chronic sinus infections or allergies or adenoid problems -- can all negatively impact the eustachian function," Dr. Anthony Sanders of Indianapolis Sinus Center told Columbus Standard. "When you look at a patient who's having that issue, generally the interior of the eustachian tube is swollen and oftentimes full of mucus. So the sinus condition definitely impacts people's ability to pop their ears effectively."

One possible treatment for ETD is balloon dilation, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. This procedure is minimally invasive and relatively new, having been approved by the FDA in 2005. A study of 126 children who underwent balloon dilation to treat ETD found that there were no reported complications, and symptoms improved in 80% of patients.

"Medical treatments are basically treating sinus and allergy problems," Sanders said. "As far as surgical alternatives, something relatively new in the last five years is eustachian tube dilation, where you use a balloon inserted in the opening of the eustachian tube and dilate it for two minutes on whichever side, or both sides, is involved with the problem. And that carries with it an excellent chance of improving eustachian function."

Readers experiencing sinus issues are invited to take a Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz from Indianapolis Sinus Center.