Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
The Eustachian tube is a muscular, funnel-shaped tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. The dysfunction of this tube refers to any problem that alters how this tube opens and closes, which in turn affects pressure and fluid balance for the ear.
The tube changes position and shape as we grow and become older.
What Are The Symptoms Of ETD?
Symptoms can either be long or temporary
– Fullness in the ear
– Changes to your hearing
– Ears feeling plugged
– Tinnitus, or ringing in the ear
– Itchiness or a ticklish feeling in the ear
– Ear pain
What Causes ETD?
ETD can have environmental causes such as changes in elevation (driving through mountains, flying on an airplane, or hiking). Colds and severe allergies are the most common causes, and can lead to your tubes being plugged with mucus or inflamed.
The most common causes of the tubes dysfunction are rapid weight loss, allergy, enlarged adenoids, sinus disease, and infection.
How Is ETD Treated?
This condition is usually resolved on its own with no treatment, but the treatment depends on the severity of your case.
ETD can be treated with some home remedies such as:
– Chewing gum
– Swallowing repeatedly
– Yawning
– Exhaling while plugging the nose and mouth
– Using a saline nasal spray
– For babies, giving them a pacifier to suck on
– Along with home remedies, you can also use over the counter drugs.
– Allergy medicine should be able to help you, if allergies are the cause.
– Eustachian Tube Dilation
If ETD remains permanent, it can be treated with ear tubes and/or eustachian tube dilation using a small balloon.
Eustachian Tube Dilation
The Acclarent AERA Eustachian Tube Dilation System is the only available device in the U.S. intended to dilate the Eustachian tube for patients with persistent ETD.
A small balloon is used to open the Eustachian tube and can relieve symptoms of persistent ETD.
How does it work?
1. The Acclarent AREA device is inserted into the Eustachian tube.
2. The Acclarent AERA balloon is inflated for 2 minutes which dilates the Eustachian tube and may relieve ETD symptoms.
This is a safe and minimally invasive procedure with a 99.7% success rate in reaching and opening the tubes during the procedure. More patients regained normal ear function than with medicine alone.
Take our Eustachian Tube Assessment
Please select the best number that describes how you feel.
1 being no problem and 5 being a severe problem
