Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Creator: Shaun DMello
Keywords: Eustachian tube problems, Eustachian tube pain, Eustachian tube problems adults, Eustachian tube dysfunction

Author - Shaun DMello, B.A.

Medically Reviewed by The Medindia Medical Review Team on Nov 25, 2019

What is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

The human ear is divided into three parts, the outer, middle and inner ear. The outer or external ear, includes the ear canal and parts of the ear that are visible to the eye; the middle ear comprises of the air filled space that is located just behind the ear drum along with three middle ear bones; and the inner ear includes the actual sensory organs of hearing and balance. The Eustachian tubes are connecting passageways that link the middle ear to the upper region and back of the throat. These tubes open to allow airflow in both directions whenever one yawns, sneezes or swallows. This flow of air is important as it acts as a pressure equalizer for the middle ear. These tubes also help in draining mucus from the middle ear lining.(1^✔)

This equalizing effect of the Eustachian tube is important because it helps in maintaining equal air pressure, which is critical to the functioning of the eardrum. This role becomes all the more evident when there is a blockage of the tube as the air filled space of the middle ear gets isolated from the external environment resulting in the absorption of trapped air. This causes the eardrum to be pulled in and it affects the auditory senses and causes pain. When there is such a blockage of the tube it is referred to as Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Neglecting the condition or prolonged blockage of the Eustachian tube can cause further complications as fluid may accumulate in the middle ear space. This contributes to an increase in pressure in the middle ear and may result in loss of hearing which is termed as serous otitis media. There is also a risk of infection because of the presence of fluid in the region and such infections are called acute otitis media.(2^✔, 3^✔)

What are the Causes of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

There are various possible causes of Eustachian tube dysfunction such as:

Respiratory tract infections like a common cold or sinusitis can cause blockage of the Eustachian tube because of excessive mucus production and nasal congestion. Such infections can also cause inflammation of the Eustachian tube lining. Therefore, it isn't uncommon to have ear blockages and mild hearing problems when suffering from a cold.

As is the case of a cold, certain allergies like perennial rhinitis and hay fever affect the nose causing mucus production and also cause inflammation of the area around the Eustachian tube often resulting in the problem.
The accumulation of fluid in the middle ear can also interfere with the free flow of air and contribute to an increase in pressure. This fluid accumulation also increases the risk of infections, especially in children.
Eustachian tube dysfunction in children may also be caused by adenoid tissue, which is towards the back of the nose.
Eustachian tube dysfunction in infants may be caused because of the narrowness of the Eustachian tube.
In rare cases, a blockage of the Eustachian tube may also occur due to the presence of a tumour in the region.(4)

What are the Symptoms of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

If you do suffer from Eustachian tube dysfunction you will probably notice some of these symptoms:

Hearing impairment with sounds being muffled or dull.
Ears will most likely feel full or blocked.
You may notice a sensation of popping in the ear.
There may be pain in one or both ears because of the tension in the eardrum, which is caused by it being stretched.
Tinnitus, which is a symptom of a ringing or buzzing sound in the ear, may also occur.
You may also experience dizziness or a loss of balance.

These symptoms may last for just a few hours or could even drag on for weeks. Usually, when the cause of the Eustachian tube dysfunction is resolved, the symptoms also dissipate. For example, if the problem is caused by a common cold you can expect the symptoms to resolve naturally within a week or so. Keep in mind that the symptoms may increase in severity if you travel by air because air pressure changes as the altitude changes. For the same reason, riding in an elevator, especially high-speed elevators could also aggravate the symptoms.(5)

How to Diagnose Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

Very often your physician will be able to diagnose the condition simply based on the symptoms and a physical examination. During the physical examination your doctor will examine the ear canals and eardrums, as well as the nasal passages and the back of the throat because of its proximity to the Eustachian tubes and its role in such disorders. You will also need to inform your doctor about your medical history.

If the problem is serious or your doctor is having trouble making an accurate diagnosis you will most likely be referred to an otolaryngologist and asked to undergo certain diagnostic tests. An accurate diagnosis of Eustachian tube dysfunction can be made using the following diagnostic tools:

Tympanogram - This test is used to detect problems in the middle ear. A device is used to change air pressure in the middle ear causing the eardrum to move and the results are measured on graphs that are called tympanograms.

Audiogram - This is a test used to measure the responsiveness of your auditory senses. Graphs that are created from an audiogram reveal the softest sounds that are audible to each of the ears, at different pitches and frequencies.(6^✔)

What are the Treatments for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

There are various treatment options for Eustachian tube dysfunction depending on the cause of the condition and its severity. In mild cases, treatment may not be required; as the problem will resolve once the cause goes away with or without treatment. If the condition lasts for more than a few days however, make it a point to seek medical attention. Here are some of the treatments that your doctor may recommend:

Decongestants to help reduce inflammation and swelling in the lining of the Eustachian tubes.
Oral antihistamines and steroidal nasal sprays may also be prescribed if the problem is caused as a result of an allergic reaction.
In severe cases, your health care provider may need to implant PETs or Pressure Equalization Tubes in the eardrums. This procedure helps to equalize and maintain air pressure.

Your doctor may need to make an incision in the eardrum to suction fluid out of the middle ear. It takes a few days after the procedure for the eardrum to heal, during which time swelling and inflammation of the Eustachian tube lining also resolves.(7^✔, 8^✔)

References:

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction - (https://familydoctor.org/condition/eustachian-tube-dysfunction/)
Physiology, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
/NBK532284/)
Association between Otitis Media Infection and Failed Hearing Screenings in Children - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6386476/)
What You Should Know About Eustachian Tube Dysfunction - (https://www.healthline.com/health/eustachian-tube-dysfunction)
What's to Know About Eustachian Tube Dysfunction? - (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319602.php#symptoms)
Interventions for Adult Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: A Systematic Review. - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK262265/)
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction - (https://www.bcm.edu/healthcare/care-centers/center-hearing-balance/conditions/eustachian-tube-dysfunction)
Ear Tubes - (https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/ear-tubes/)

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Shaun DMello. (2019, November 25). Eustachian Tube Dysfunction - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment. Medindia. Retrieved on Jul 10, 2024 from https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/eustachian-tube-dysfunction.htm.
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Shaun DMello. 2019. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment. Medindia, viewed Jul 10, 2024, https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/eustachian-tube-dysfunction.htm.