Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)

Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is the failure of the Eustachian tube (a passage that leads to your middle ear) to open and/or close properly. The Eustachian tube may be narrowed or clogged.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Do you persistently experience any of these:

• Ear pressure, ear pain, or clogged ears?

If so, Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation may be right for you.

Have you been unresponsive to an intranasal steroid spray or an oral steroid?

• Different approaches to the treatment of ETD are available. In one published study, nasal steroids showed no effect on ETD symptoms. The Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation may be a viable alternative treatment for patients with persistent ETD symptoms.

Symptoms of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

If you have Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, you may have the following symptoms:

• Your ears may feel plugged or full.
• Sounds may seem muffled.
• You may feel a popping or clicking sensation (children may say their ear “tickles”).
• You may have pain in one or both ears.
• You may hear ringing in your ears (called tinnitus).
• You may sometimes have trouble keeping your balance.
• Your symptoms may get worse with changes in altitude. This includes flying in an airplane, riding in elevators, driving through mountains, or diving.