NE Valley Times

• Eustachian tubes are slender tubes connecting the middle ears to the upper throat.
• They play a role in balancing ear pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear, which is situated behind the eardrum.
• If you're suffering from ear troubles, it could be a result of eustachian tube dysfunction, caused by sinusitis.

If you're dealing with ear pain, trouble hearing, or the feeling of your ears being clogged, you might be dealing with eustachian tube dysfunction. Dr. Franklyn Gergits of Sinus and Allergy Wellness Center said treating eustachian tube dysfunction can also treat issues within the ear.

"The Eustachian tube is the tube that bridges the space behind the eardrum to the back of the nose. Eustachian tubes in the back of the nasal cavity can cause symptoms such as hearing loss, dizziness, ear pressure, and ringing in the ears," Dr. Gergits told NE Valley Times. "If we can address the Eustachian tube and help it come back to its normal health, those ear symptoms can be resolved."

Eustachian tubes are narrow passages that can become obstructed for various reasons, according to Healthline. When these tubes are blocked, it can result in pain, hearing challenges, and a sensation of fullness in the ears, a condition known as eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).

ETD can arise from allergies, a typical cold, influenza, or chronic acid reflux. Symptoms may intensify during altitude changes, such as on an airplane or during scuba diving, according to Cleveland Clinic. While ETD often resolves spontaneously, if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, seeking advice from a doctor is advisable. At-home remedies for addressing ETD may involve chewing gum, yawning, swallowing, or using a saline nasal spray.

Cleveland Clinic reported that in cases where at-home remedies or medications prove ineffective for addressing ETD, a physician may suggest an in office procedure. One available option is eustachian tuboplasty, also referred to as eustachian tube balloon dilation. This relatively recent procedure entails the insertion of a small balloon through the nasal passage into the eustachian tube, followed by inflation. The balloon is maintained in an inflated state for approximately two minutes before being deflated and removed by the doctor. Typically, patients recover from this surgery within one day or so.

According to the Sinus and Allergy Wellness Center's website, Dr. Gergits earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from West Virginia University and a Master of Science in biochemistry from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He subsequently pursued his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.