Grand Canyon Times

• Eustachian tubes are responsible for regulating ear pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear.
• Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) occurs when the tubes are obstructed, resulting in pain, hearing problems and a feeling of fullness in the ears
• Severe cases of ETD require treatment from a medical professional.

When eustachian tubes aren't working correctly, you might feel pressure in your ears, according to Dr. Brian Lee of Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center. An ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist can easily provide treatment for the condition, Lee said.

"The eustachian tubes are simply 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 just is not working properly. It's usually swollen or inflamed."

According to Healthline, eustachian tubes are narrow passageways connecting the middle ears to the upper throat. Their primary role is to regulate ear pressure and facilitate the drainage of fluid from the middle ear, which is situated behind the eardrum. Typically, these tubes remain closed, except when you engage in actions like chewing, swallowing or yawning.

These passageways have a relatively small diameter and can become obstructed due to various factors. If the tubes become 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 ETD, and it can be caused by sinusitis issues like allergies, a common cold, the flu or chronic acid reflux. The symptoms might get worse with altitude changes, such as on an airplane or while scuba diving.

ETD is a condition that occurs quite frequently, according to Healthline. Depending on its underlying cause, it may resolve naturally or with straightforward self-care remedies at home. However, in more severe or recurrent instances, it is recommended to seek medical attention from a doctor.                         

If at-home remedies or medications do not resolve ETD, a doctor might recommend another treatment. One option is eustachian tuboplasty, also known as eustachian tube balloon dilation. According to Cleveland Clinic, this procedure is relatively new. It 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 a couple of days.

To see if you might be affected by ETD, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.