Our ear care specialists are world renowned for their expertise in treating Eustachian tube blockages.
What are the Eustachian tubes?
Each ear has a Eustachian tube. These tubes connect the middle ear to the sinus cavity (an open space at the back of the nose). Normally, the Eustachian tubes stay closed, opening when you swallow or yawn. This action balances the pressure on both sides of your eardrum. It also helps drain mucous produced by the lining of the middle ear.
What is obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction?
Obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction occurs when one or both Eustachian tubes become blocked. This blockage can lead to:
- Accumulation of fluid in your middle ear
- Unequal pressure on either side of your eardrum
How common is obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction?
Obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction is more common in children than adults. About 90% of children will develop a related condition called otitis media with effusion before they start school. Otitis media with effusion is a buildup of noninfected fluid in the middle ear, usually caused by a blocked Eustachian tube. When the tube is blocked, it prevents fluid from draining out of the middle ear.
Obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction affects about 1% of adults.
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Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Obstructive Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Symptoms
In obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction, your Eustachian tube doesn’t open like it should. The result is a buildup of pressure and fluid in the middle ear that can cause symptoms such as:
- Ear pain
- Muffled hearing
- Popping or crackling sounds
- Pressure or stuffy feeling in the ears
- Problems with balance
Obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms can be short term, intermittent (come and go), or chronic.
Causes of Obstructive Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction results from conditions that physically block the Eustachian tube or cause inflammation or swelling. Conditions include:
- Allergies
- Cleft palate
- Enlarged adenoids, tissue masses in your upper throat that are part of your immune system
- Exposure to cigarette smoke and pollution
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Sinusitis
- Tumors (ear cancer)
- Upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold
Diving, hiking, or flying can also cause obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Young children have a higher risk of obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction because their Eustachian tubes are still forming. During development, children’s Eustachian tubes are relatively narrow and horizontal. Poor drainage of the tube can lead to a buildup of fluid. Most children outgrow obstructive dysfunction by age VII.
Diagnostic Tests for Obstructive Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
To diagnose obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and what makes them better or worse. Your doctor may perform tests such as:
- Ear exam: Your doctor uses a lighted device called an otoscope to see inside your ear. They look for any changes in the shape of your eardrum or accumulation of fluid in your ear.
- Hearing test: We use a pure-tone hearing test to check your ability to hear pitch and loudness. In this test, you wear headphones and listen for a range of sounds.
- Tympanometry test: During this test, we gently place a probe into your ear that changes the pressure against your eardrum. A readout from the test helps your doctor determine the pressure inside your ear and if there is any fluid behind your eardrum.
Obstructive Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (V3)
Our doctors have deep expertise in obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction. We work with you to find the cause and develop a customized treatment plan.
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