Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Eustachian tube dysfunction can be a bothersome problem for many patients. The eustachian tube is the tube that connects the ear to the back of the nose. Eustachian tube dysfunction occurs when the eustachian tube doesn’t open and close properly. This prevents the ear from regulating its pressure properly. Symptoms of pressure changes, crackling in the ear, muffled hearing, ear fullness, and even hearing loss can occur.
Eustachian tube dysfunction is initially treated with nasal steroids, and a number of patients do well with this option. Other patients continue to be bothered by the symptoms. Traditionally, ear tubes have been placed simply as a mechanism of bypassing the eustachian tube in order to relieve the symptoms.
More recently, balloon dilation of the eustachian tube has become a treatment option. The physical dilation of the eustachian tube can help restore the eustachian tube’s ability to function. Rather than simply treating the symptoms like ear tubes, this may give patients a shot at improving the underlying condition - the inability of the eustachian tube to open and close properly. If you are bothered by eustachian tube dysfunction, you may be a candidate for a dilation.
Eustachian Tube Dilation
A simple procedure introduces allows a catheter to introduce a balloon into the eustachian tube. The balloon is then inflated to help restore the proper function to the eustachian tube.