NE Valley Times

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

Dr. Franklyn Gergits of Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center of North Scottsdale says that seeking treatment from a specialist for ETD issues can help to fix the uncomfortable symptoms you may be feeling in your ears. Eustachian tube balloon dilation could be one of these treatments.

"The eustachian tube is the tube that bridges the space behind the eardrum to the back of the nose," Gergits 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. If we can address the eustachian tube and help that come back to its normal health, those ear symptoms can be resolved."

According to Healthline, eustachian tubes are narrow passageways connecting the middle ears to the upper throat. 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.

Depending on its underlying cause, it may resolve naturally or with straightforward self-care remedies at home. However, in more severe or recurrent instances, it is recommended to seek medical attention from a doctor.

These passageways have a relatively small diameter and can become obstructed due to several factors. If the tubes become 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. ETD can be caused by sinus issues like allergies, a common cold, the flu or chronic acid reflux. The symptoms could get worse with altitude changes, such as flying on an airplane or while scuba diving.

If at-home remedies or medications do not resolve ETD, a doctor might recommend another treatment. One option is eustachian tuboplasty, also known as eustachian tube balloon dilation. According to Cleveland Clinic, this procedure is relatively new. It 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 a couple of days.

To see if you might be affected by ETD, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz