West LA Times

• Causes of eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) include allergies, a common cold, the flu or chronic acid reflux.

• ETD may resolve on its own, but if symptoms last longer than two weeks, it's recommended to see a doctor.

• One treatment option is eustachian tuboplasty, also known as eustachian tube balloon dilation.

Improvements in technology have allowed doctors to use the balloon dilation procedure, typically used to resolve sinus issues, to help patients with ETD, according to Dr. Matt Hershcovitch of SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.

"Eustachian tube dysfunction is the collapse of the tube that runs from the nasal cavity to the ear," Hershcovitch told West LA Times. "This is what you feel when you're on an airplane going up through a mountain pass or diving deep underwater. That's the pressure you feel in your ears. It's a very, very annoying problem when it does occur. I'm an avid diver and I've had it happen to me, and it is quite frustrating and quite annoying."

For some people, including those with chronic sinusitis and allergies, ETD becomes a chronic problem, Hershcovitch said.

"We can actually do a balloon dilation of the eustachian tube to force it open, remodel it and keep it open, so the ears can ventilate with equalized pressure," he said. "Prior to the advent of the balloon catheter, the only way to do this was to take (the patient) to surgery and make a hole in the eardrum and sometimes have to put a tube in there."

The eustachian tube connects the middle ears to the upper throat. If the tube becomes 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. This condition is called ETD, and it can be caused by allergies, a common cold, the flu or chronic acid reflux.

The symptoms might get worse with altitude changes, such as on an airplane or while scuba diving. ETD frequently resolves on its own, but if symptoms last for more than two weeks, it's recommended to visit a doctor. At-home remedies to improve ETD could include chewing gum, yawning, swallowing or using a saline nasal spray. People whose condition has been caused by allergies could clear up their symptoms by using an antihistamine or other over-the-counter medications. People whose condition has been caused by an infection might be prescribed antibiotics.

If at-home remedies or medications do not resolve ETD, a  doctor might recommend a surgical treatment, the clinic said. One option is eustachian tuboplasty, also known as eustachian tube balloon dilation. This surgery  is relatively new and 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 one day.                   

Other surgical treatment options for ETD include myringotomy and pressure equalization tubes. During a myringotomy, the doctor makes a small incision in the eardrum, allowing fluid to drain from the middle ear. Patients typically need three to four weeks to recover. Pressure equalization tubes are placed by a surgeon inside the eardrum and allow for proper ventilation to the middle ear. The tubes are typically left in place for 12 to 18 months.                       

If you're interested in learning more about diagnosis or treatment of ETD, please take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.