LA Harbor News

• 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.

One form of discomfort that results from sinus issues is eustachian tube dysfunction. Dr. Matt Hershcovitch of SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers says that ETD can be a nuisance for those who have symptoms, but having a balloon dilation procedure can help.

"Eustachian tube dysfunction is the collapse of the tube that runs from the nasal cavity to the ear," Hershcovitch told LA Harbor News. "This is what you feel when you're going up on an airplane, going up through a mountain pass or diving deep underwater. That's the pressure you feel in your ears, and 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 annoying. Unfortunately, it does not resolve very quickly for some people, and a lot of people who have chronic sinusitis and allergies have this as a chronic problem."

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.

These passageways have a relatively small diameter and can become obstructed due to various 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.

ETD is a condition that occurs quite frequently, according to Healthline. Depending on its underlying cause, it may resolve naturally or with straightforward home remedies. However, in more severe or recurrent instances, it is recommended to seek medical attention from a doctor.

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.