Baltimore City Wire

• 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. Jamie Oberman of Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told Baltimore City Wire that innovations in technology have led to the balloon dilation procedure, which has been used to treat chronic sinusitis, now being used to resolve ETD.

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 could 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 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. Patients whose ETD has been caused by an infection might be prescribed antibiotics

If at-home remedies or medications do not resolve 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.

"We offer the newest technology,” Oberman said. “It is what's called eustachian tube balloon dilation. It's literally the same technology that we use to dilate the openings of the sinus, the paranasal sinuses. It's just angled differently to address the anatomy of the opening to the eustachian tubes all through the nose. Everything connects through the nose and the nasal pharynx and the back part of the nose.”

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.