Grand Canyon Times

• Eustachian tubes are small tubes that run between your middle ears and upper throat.
• Blocked eustachian tubes can cause pain, hearing difficulties and a feeling of fullness in the ears.
• One possible treatment for eustachian tube dysfunction is balloon dilation.

Dr. Brian Lee of Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center warns patients that sinus infections can lead to a blockage in the eustachian tubes, which can cause pain, a feeling of fullness and even temporary hearing loss.

"The eustachian tubes are simply like the ventilation or drainage tubes of our ears," Lee told Grand Canyon Times. "When people pop their ears, that is the eustachian tube opening and closing, and that is something that's naturally happening throughout the day when you're chewing, swallowing and yawning. Most people never feel the pressure build up, and they never feel the pressure release. They don't really think about their ears."

Sinus infections can cause blockages in the eustachian tube, which can lead to temporary hearing loss or a sensation of being "underwater" or wearing earplugs.

The eustachian tubes are usually closed, except when you chew, swallow or yawn, according to Healthline. Eustachian tubes are also responsible for equalizing ear pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear behind the eardrum. 

"With eustachian tube dysfunction, that tube just is not working properly. It's usually swollen or inflamed," Lee said. "And what happens is that it doesn't open, and pressure starts to build up in the ears. So patients usually will have symptoms of ear fullness, ear pressure, a feeling that their hearing is slightly muffled."

Since eustachian tubes are small, they can get blocked easily, leading to eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), which is common. ETD often can heal on its own or with home remedies, such as chewing gum, yawning or using a saline nasal spray.

In more severe cases, however, a visit to the doctor may be needed. One treatment for ETD is balloon dilation, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

The procedure is relatively new and minimally invasive. A study of 126 children who underwent balloon dilation found that there were no reported complications, and symptoms improved in 80% of cases, according to NCBI.

If you're interested in learning more about ETD or sinusitis symptoms, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.