Gateway Reporter

• 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.

Dr. Manish Khanna of Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told the Gateway Reporter that innovations in technology have led to the balloon dilation procedure to resolve eustachian tube dysfunction.

"We start with medical management -- nasal steroids sprays, short courses of decongestants," Khanna said. "If those don't seem to work, then we go to the next  step, which is to try courses of oral steroids. Then we discuss with patients a procedural option called eustachian tube balloon dilation, where we use the same balloon that we use for the sinus, just configured in different angle. This is all done minimally invasively through the nasal passages, and we actually dilate the eustachian tube.  It's a quick procedure, done in the office  with patients awake or asleep. And they can get back to normal activities and fly or deep-sea diving, if they'd like to, the next day."

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 may 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 resolve ETD could include chewing gum, yawning, swallowing or using a saline nasal spray. People whose ETD has been caused by allergies could clear up their symptoms by using an antihistamine or other over-the-counter medications. People whose ETD has been caused by an infection might be prescribed antibiotics.

If at-home remedies or medications do not resolve your ETD, a doctor might recommend a surgical treatment. 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.