NE Valley Times

• Eustachian tubes are small tubes that run between your middle ears and upper throat.
• Blocked eustachian tubes can cause pain, hearing difficulties and a feeling of fullness in the ears.
• One possible treatment for eustachian tube dysfunction is balloon dilation.

Dr. Franklyn Gergits of Sinus and Allergy Wellness Center tells patients that sinus infections can lead to a blockage in the eustachian tubes, which can cause pain, a feeling of fullness and even temporary hearing loss.

"The eustachian tube is the tube that bridges the space behind the eardrum to the back of the nose," he told NE Valley Times. "We oftentimes will think of that tube when we're in an airplane, changing altitudes. Sometimes we might have ear pain or discomfort. Certainly, we probably can think of children who might cry during those changes in altitudes. Their eustachian tubes are more immature. They're always open and they're shorter. As we age and get older, the eustachian tube becomes more angled. But some people might have eustachian tubes in the back of the nasal cavity that can cause symptoms such as hearing loss, dizziness, ear pressure and ringing in the ears."

Sinus infections can cause a blockage in the eustachian tube, which can lead to temporary hearing loss or a sensation of being "underwater" or wearing earplugs.

The eustachian tubes are usually closed, except when you chew, swallow or yawn, according to Healthline. Eustachian tubes are also responsible for equalizing ear pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear behind the eardrum.

Since eustachian tubes are small, they can get blocked easily, leading to eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), which is common and often can heal on its own or with home remedies, such as chewing gum, yawning or using a saline nasal spray. 

In more severe cases, however, a visit to the doctor may be needed. One treatment for ETD is balloon dilation, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

"If we can address the eustachian tube and help that come back to its normal health, those ear symptoms can be resolved," Gergits said.

The procedure is relatively new and minimally invasive. A study of 126 children who underwent balloon dilation found that there were no reported complications, and symptoms improved in 80% of cases, according to the NCBI.

If you're interested in learning more about ETD or sinusitis symptoms, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.