Relieve
Discomfort
EUSTACHIAN TUBE DYSFUNCTION
Common Symptoms
What is Eustachian tube dysfunction?
Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is an affliction that can lead to chronic ear pressure and pain or discomfort with barometric changes.
Typically, when you yawn, chew, sneeze or swallow, your Eustachian tubes – small passageways that run between your middle ear and upper throat – open to keep pressure and fluid from building up. If you experience a blocked Eustachian tube – also known as Eustachian tube dysfunction or ETD – your ears may feel full or painful, and your hearing may seem muffled.
Your symptoms may get worse when you are flying (because of altitude changes). Riding in elevators, driving through mountains or diving may also make your symptoms worse.
ETD is considered persistent when symptoms have continued more than 12 weeks despite medical management.
Your doctor may first recommend over-the-counter treatments, such as:
If a bacterial infection is present, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. Some people with more severe or chronic symptoms may need to undergo a surgical procedure.
These include:
A safe, effective, new treatment option
Many of the current treatment options for ETD are limited or invasive, but a newer treatment option, balloon dilation with XprESS ENT dilation system, provides a safe, effective and less invasive treatment.
During this procedure, a small balloon is inserted through your nose and into your Eustachian tube. The balloon is then gently inflated, and after treatment, removed. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
A recent randomized clinical trial comparing balloon dilation to medical therapy in patients with persistent ETD found:
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