NE Valley Times

Dr. Brian Lee of Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center talks about the science behind eustachian tube dysfunction.

Eustachian tubes are small tubes that run between the middle ears and the upper throat. They are responsible for equalizing ear pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear, the part behind the eardrum. The eustachian tubes are usually closed, except for when people chew, swallow or yawn, according to Healthline.

"The eustachian tubes are simply like the ventilation or drainage tubes of our ears," Lee told the NE Valley Times. "When people pop their ears, that is a eustachian tube opening and closing, and that is something that's naturally constantly happening throughout the day when you're chewing, swallowing and yawning. Most people never feel the pressure buildup; they never feel the pressure release. They don't really think about their ears. Now, with eustachian tube dysfunction, that tube just is not working properly. It's usually swollen or inflamed. And what happens is that it doesn't open and pressure starts to build up in the ears. So patients usually will have symptoms of ear fullness, ear pressure, feeling that their hearing is slightly muffled."

Dr. Brian Lee | Scottsdale Sinus & Allergy Center

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 stuffy ears. Such a phenomenon is referred to as eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).

"The Eustachian tubes drain out to the back of the nose," Lee explained. "So essentially anything that inflames the sinuses could be allergies. Chronic sinus issues, simple cold, any of those things can cause inflammation around the eustachian tube to cause it to plug up as well."

ETD is 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, though, may require a visit to the doctor.

"There's always medical management -- meaning steroids, nasal sprays, oral steroids. For very mild cases, these typically can help patients with chronic eustachian tube dysfunction," Lee said. "There are really two options. The traditional option of putting an ear tube or ventilation tubes in the eardrum to essentially bypass the eustachian tube. But in the past few years, a new procedure has come out to help eustachian tube dysfunction. Essentially, the same balloon that we use in the sinuses can also be used in the eustachian tube to help dilate and stretch it out to get it to function again."

If you think you could benefit from seeing a doctor about sinus or allergy issues -- or ETD -- please take this online sinus quiz.