How Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Affect Your Ears
If you've ever felt your ear pop, then that's your eustachian tube at work. However, sometimes eustachian tubes don't work like they should. When yours has problems, then you may not hear as well as you should and also could have ear pain.
This problem is so common that it has a name: eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). Here is more information about how your eustachian tubes work and why they can sometimes have problems.
Purpose of the Eustachian Tube
The main function of the eustachian tube is to equalize pressure on both sides of the ear. This is why you are more likely to notice pressure in your ear with sudden elevation changes. The eustachian tube also ventilates the middle ear. The equalization helps the eardrum work better. When the eustachian tube does not work, then that can cause noise to be more muffled.
This small tube provides and opening from the middle ear to the upper part of the throat and the rear of the sinus cavity. Generally, it stays closed unless you yawn or chew. This tube also helps keep mucus out of the middle ear.
Signs of Eustachian Tube Problems
Eustachian tubes are actually very narrow and are plugged easily. When this happens, you will notice a marked increase in pressure around the ear. Sometimes, pain around the ear and face will accompany this pressure. In addition, you will notice your hearing on that side diminish. In severe cases, you could temporarily lose your hearing, though this is uncommon.
Some people experience increased tinnitus. You may also experience weird sounds like ticks, pops, and sounds like water in your ear. In very rare cases, you could experience problems with your balance, especially if your inner ear is also affected by the change in pressure.
Cause of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Most people experience eustachian tube problems after they have suffered from a cold or sinus infection. Smoking is another cause of ETD. You may also have eustachian tube pain when you dive deep because of the water pressure.
Sometimes, infections cause the tubes to swell up and become irritated. This makes them ineffective in their drainage and airflow functions. Children are more likely to have eustachian tube dysfunction as they tend to have more ear infections than adults.
Children also get a condition known as glue ear. Glue ear is when a very sticky, glue-like substance blocks the eustachian tube. Most children recover from this issue on their own, and it becomes less frequent as they get older. Some children need stents in their eustachian tubes if they have chronic problems or a defect.
Treatment for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
This condition often goes away on its own. If your problem is caused by increased elevation, then try making mouth movements, like a yawn, to open up the tubes. If your ETD is associated with an illness, then medications to prevent infections and pain can keep those problems at a minimum. Your doctor may prescribe or recommend medications like antihistamines and analgesics. These can either over the counter or prescription.
However, if you have a severe case of chronic ETD, then you may need more drastic measures. You may need to have the tubes drained by your doctor. The doctor may also prescribe surgery to open up either your middle ear or expand the eustachian tube.
Eustachian tube dysfunction is often closely related to other ear, nose, and throat conditions. Talk to a doctor if you have problems with a congested feeling in your ear that lasts more than just a few days, especially if you also have ear pain. If you have chronic eustachian tube issues or problems with your sinuses, call us at Wilmington Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A., for an appointment and assessment.
