PHX Reporter

• The eustachian tube links the middle ear to the upper part of the throat.
• Eustachian tube dysfunction can cause symptoms such as hearing difficulties, ringing in the ears, balance problems, ear discomfort resembling an infection, and a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ears.
• Eustachian tube dysfunction can result from various factors, including allergies, the common cold, the flu, or chronic acid reflux.

Eustachian tube dysfunction is a condition that affects the inner ear, causing hearing issues, ear pressure, and other related symptoms. Dr. John Stewart of Arizona Breathe Free explains that the eustachian tube plays a crucial role in sinus anatomy.

“It may be a surprise to some people, but your ear, in fact, is a part of your sinus anatomy,” Dr. 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 Healthline, eustachian tubes are small tubes that run between your middle ears and the upper throat. They are responsible for equalizing ear pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear, the part of the ear behind the eardrum. The eustachian tubes are usually closed except for when you chew, swallow, or yawn.

These passageways are small in size and can get plugged for a variety of reasons. Blocked eustachian tubes can cause pain, hearing difficulties, and a feeling of fullness in the ears. Such a phenomenon is referred to as eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), a relatively common condition. Depending on the cause, it may resolve on its own or through simple at-home treatment measures. Severe or recurring cases may require a visit to the doctor.

ETD frequently resolves on its own, but if symptoms last for more than two weeks, it's recommended to visit a doctor, according to Cleveland Clinic  At-home remedies to resolve ETD could 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. People whose ETD has been caused by an infection might 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.

According to Arizona Breathe Free's website, Dr. John Stewart earned his bachelor's degree in biology with summa cum laude honors from Grand Canyon University. He attended medical school at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency in otorhinolaryngology and facial plastic surgery at Freeman Hospital & Health System in Joplin, Missouri.