Introduction
Eustachian tube connects middle ear with the posterior part of nasal cavity (nasopharynx). The main function of these tubes is to drain the fluid from the middle ear and equalize the ear pressure. Therefore, eustachian tube dysfunction is a medical condition that occurs due to the blockage of these tubes, causing hearing difficulty and discomfort in the ear. These tubes usually remain closed but open only while swallowing, chewing, and yawning. Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a common condition that can be resolved in a few weeks. However, if the condition becomes severe and the symptoms recur, availing of medical treatment is very important to reduce the risk of permanent hearing loss.
What Are the Causes of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
Infections and allergies cause eustachian tube dysfunction. These medical conditions can cause mucus buildup and inflammation leading to tube blockage. In addition, chronic acid reflux or GERD can cause eustachian tube dysfunction because the inflammation in the throat can occur due to the backflow of acid reflux from the stomach. The condition can also arise due to changes in altitudes.
What Are the Symptoms of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
The symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunction:
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Tinnitus or ringing sound in the ears.
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Vertigo, dizziness, and balance problems.
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Hearing difficulty.
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Popping or clicking sound.
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Tickling sensation in the ear.
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Ear infection.
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Feeling of fullness in the ear.
What Are the Various Types of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
The various types of eustachian tube dysfunction are as follows:
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Obstructive ETD: In this type, the eustachian tube does not open to its actual size and causes accumulation of the fluids leading to ear pressure or pain.
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Patulous ETD: In this type, the eustachian tube does not close at all and causes the sound waves to travel through the nasal cavity into the ear and, thus, distort or affect the sound of the voice.
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Baro-Challenge-Induced ETD: This type is very much similar to obstructive eustachian tube dysfunction as, in this case also, the tube does not open properly. But baro-challenge-induced ETD occurs only due to changes in altitudes.
How Is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) Diagnosed?
The doctor diagnoses eustachian tube dysfunction through a physical examination of the patient. The physician asks about the symptoms, hearing changes or difficulty, and pain experienced by a person. In addition, the doctor also makes the diagnosis by examining the ear canal and the passage into the throat and nose. Eustachian tube dysfunction is sometimes mistakenly diagnosed as abnormal patency of the tube that causes frequent openings of the eustachian tube.
How Is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) Managed and Treated?
Eustachian tube dysfunction requires treatment if it is not resolved in one or two weeks. The condition is mainly treated depending on the etiology and severity of the condition. Therefore, ETD is treated in the following ways:
Home Remedies: Certain mild cases of eustachian tube dysfunction can be resolved at home if they are not associated with any other medical condition. These remedies are as follows:
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Yawning.
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Chewing gums.
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Cleaning nasal passages with saline sprays.
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Swallowing.
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Breathing out with the nose while keeping the mouth closed (Valsalva maneuver).
Medication: Allergies caused by eustachian tube dysfunction can be treated with antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, and discomfort can be resolved with painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. In case of ETD caused by infections and inflammations, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics and corticosteroids.
Surgery: This treatment method is recommended in chronic cases of eustachian tube dysfunction. The surgical method is opted to bypass the eustachian canal and treat the ventilation problem of the middle ear. The incision made during the tube surgery is kept open until the inflammation or swelling resolves. The various surgical methods to treat eustachian tube dysfunction are as follows:
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Pressure Equalization Tubes: In this method, an ear tube is placed in the eardrum by making an incision. The tube inserted provides ventilation in the middle ear for up to one year. Doctors may recommend the person use earplugs while bathing or swimming after the surgery. These tubes are pushed out later and the eardrum is allowed to heal. The ear tube often needs to be replaced because it does not stay in place for longer.
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Myringotomy: In this procedure, the incision is made to the eardrum so that the fluid can be drained from the middle ear. The incision is kept open for a long time to resolve the inflammation of the eustachian tubes.
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Eustachian Tuboplasty: This method is called eustachian tube balloon dilation, in which the tubes are expanded with the balloon. The endoscopy mediates this procedure, and the balloon is placed into the eustachian tubes through the nasal passage. In this method, the balloon is inflated for a few minutes and then deflated and taken out.
How Can We Prevent Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)?
People cannot completely prevent eustachian tube dysfunction. However, some measures can be taken to minimize the risk. These include:
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Avoid extreme weather conditions and altitude changes that can worsen ear-related problems.
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People can use earplugs while flying to minimize the risk of developing airplane ears.
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In addition, drinking plenty of water can also prevent eustachian tube dysfunction by keeping the mucus thin.
What Are the Complications Associated With Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)?
The complications of ETD include:
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Recurring symptoms.
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Middle ear infection or chronic otitis media.
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Retraction of the eardrum as it gets sucked backward into the eardrum.
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Glue ear or otitis media with effusion causes fluid accumulation in the middle ear and can even cause permanent hearing loss.
Conclusion
Eustachian tube dysfunction is usually not very serious, but the symptoms can cause great discomfort to the patient. These symptoms get resolved in one or two weeks but can sometimes last for a few weeks to months and years. Eustachian dysfunction can often lead to permanent hearing damage if not treated timely. Therefore, a person should consult a doctor to properly manage this condition and improve the overall quality of life.
