Grand Canyon Times

• Allergies and infections are the most common causes of eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).
• ETD might resolve on its own, but if symptoms last longer than two weeks, it's recommended to see a doctor.
• Treatment options include at-home remedies, prescription antibiotics or surgical procedures.

Dr. Brian Lee of Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center said most people don't realize that their eustachian tubes are opening and closing throughout the day, but when they stop functioning properly, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms. 

"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 and constantly happening throughout the day when you're chewing, swallowing and yawning. Most people never feel the pressure build up; they never feel the pressure release. They don't really think about their ears. With eustachian tube dysfunction, that tube is not working properly. It's usually swollen or inflamed, and it doesn't open and pressure starts to build up in the ears. Patients usually have symptoms of ear fullness, ear pressure and a feeling that their hearing is slightly muffled."

The eustachian tube connects the middle ears to the upper throat, and if the tube becomes blocked, 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 called eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), and it can be caused by allergies, a common cold, the flu or chronic acid reflux. The symptoms could get worse 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 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. Patients whose ETD has been caused by an infection may be prescribed antibiotics.

If at-home remedies or medications do not resolve ETD, a doctor might recommend a surgical treatment. One option 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 take three to four weeks to recover. Pressure equalization tubes are placed by a surgeon inside the eardrum and allow for proper ventilation to the middle ear. The tubes are typically left in place for 12 to 18 months.

To learn more about the symptoms of sinusitis, allergies or ETD, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.