Columbus Standard

• 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.

Dr. Anthony Sanders of Indianapolis Sinus Center told Columbus Standard that innovations in technology have led to the balloon dilation procedure, which can resolve eustachian tube dysfunction.

The eustachian tube links the middle ears to the upper throat. If the tube becomes obstructed, 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 Cleveland Clinic. This condition is known as ETD, and it can be created by allergies, a common cold, the flu or chronic acid reflux. 

"People who suffer from eustachian tube dysfunction have one or more of several symptoms," Sanders said. "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 of eustachian tube orifice have proven to be highly effective to improve the eustachian tube function and the resulting ear problems."

The symptoms might worsen with altitude changes, such as on an airplane or while scuba diving. ETD frequently 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 could 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 solve ETD, a doctor might suggest a surgical procedure. One such procedure 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 ear drum and allow for proper ventilation to the middle ear. The tubes usually remain in use 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.