PHX Reporter

• 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 sense of fullness in the ears.
• Severe cases of ETD require treatment from a medical professional.

One form of discomfort that results from sinusitis is eustachian tube dysfunction, and Dr. John Stewart of Arizona Breathe Free says that if you leave your sinusitis untreated, it could lead to dysfunction with your eustachian tubes, causing pain and pressure in your ears.

“It may be a surprise to some people, but your ear, in fact, is a part of your sinus anatomy," Stewart told the PHX Reporter. "The definition of a sinus is a mucous membrane lined cavity, with a valve, that drains into the nose. Your Eustachian tube is a mucous membrane lined cavity, has a valve, and connects your middle ear to your nose. Eustachian tube dysfunction can occur due to untreated, chronic sinusitis and can cause symptoms such as pain, pressure and fullness in one or both ears.”

According to a report by Healthline, eustachian tubes are narrow passageways connecting the middle ears to the upper throat. They state that 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 small diameter and can become obstructed by various factors. Blocked tubes 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 the Cleveland Clinic. This condition is called eustachian tube dysfunction (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, the report stated.

ETD is a condition that occurs quite frequently, Healthline reported. Depending on its root cause, it may heal on its own or with certain remedies at home. In more severe or recurrent cases, however, doctors recommend seeking care form an ear, nose and throat professional (ENT).

One trusted treatment doctors recommend is eustachian tuboplasty, also known as eustachian tube balloon dilation. The Cleveland Clinic describes the procedure as relatively new, in which a doctor inserting a small balloon through the nasal passage into the eustachian tube and then inflates the balloon. The balloon remains inflated for about two minutes before the doctor deflates and removes it. Patients typically recover from the minor surgery within days, then can resume their normal activities, the report stated.

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