Richmond Leader

• Causes of eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) include allergies, a common cold, the flu or chronic acid reflux.

• ETD may resolve on its own, but if symptoms last longer than two weeks, it's recommended to see a doctor.

• One treatment option is eustachian tuboplasty, also known as eustachian tube balloon dilation.

Dr. John Ditto of Richmond Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers talked to the Richmond Leader about eustachian tube dysfunction. The eustachian tube connects the middle ear 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 ETD, and it can be caused by allergies, a common cold, the flu or chronic acid reflux. 

"Eustachian tube dysfunction is dysfunction of the tube that expands from the middle ear to the back of the nose" Ditto said. "And its function is to drain, to equalize pressure behind the eardrum, so that sound transmission is normal. That tube, the lining inside of it has the same lining that's in your nose. So when you get a cold, your ears feel full. That is eustachian tube dysfunction because that lining in there is swollen. It's just a tube with lining that becomes swollen and it doesn't function, and the symptoms are fullness, pressure and sometimes people have pain."

The symptoms may 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 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.

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.

If you're interested in learning more about diagnosis or treatment of ETD, please take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.