Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

In most people, hearing loss occurs gradually over time. You may not be aware of the change from one day to the next. Learn more about Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: (what is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction) Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.

Sometimes hearing loss is experienced suddenly and without warning. To deal with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction can be done with home remedies. The onset of these symptoms can be obstacles such as dizziness, vertigo, and problems in the throat.

What is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

The eustachian tract is a channel on each side of the face that extends from the back of the nose and upper throat to the middle ear. They remain closed most of the time but will open when a person swallows, chews, or evaporates.

The eustachian tract helps regulate ear pressure and drain excess fluid from the middle ear, then moves it to the throat for removal.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction definition

Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a condition when the eustachian tract is blocked or does not open properly. This condition causes air to not enter the middle ear, so the pressure in the middle ear is less than the pressure outside the ear.

Common Eustachian tube disorders

Common Eustachian tube disorders include:

• Patulous Eustachian tube dysfunction

Patulous eustachian tube dysfunction is a disorder that occurs in the eustachian fallopian tubes causing them to remain open. When it is open, the sound can flow from the nasal cavity to the ear, it allows you to hear the sound or breath yourself too loudly, even the sound of pumping blood. Eustachian particular tube dysfunction can also alternate with obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction.

• Obstructive Eustachian tubal dysfunction

This disorder occurs when the Eustachian fallopian tube valve does not open properly, thus preventing pressure from balancing and fluid flowing out through the ear.

• Baro-challenge-induced Eustachian tubal dysfunction (obstructive Eustachian tubal dysfunction while on an airplane or while scuba diving)

What causes a person to experience Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction has a variety of potential causes, including:

• Seasonal allergies and diseases that create inflammation in the area, such as flu or colds, are common causes of this condition.
• Sinus infection, causes the eustachian ducts to become inflamed or contain mucus.
• More serious infections of the sinuses can also cause the onset of ETD symptoms.
• Simple changes to altitude or air pressure.
• Drive on a mountain or sit on a plane.
• Taking an elevator in a tall building may be enough for some people to develop unpleasant symptoms.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

ETD symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may vary for each person. Common symptoms include:

• Feel like something’s clogged in the ear
• The ears feel like they’re filled with water
• Tinnitus, or ringing ears
• Muffled hearing or partial hearing loss
• Beats or bursts
• Experiencing pain around the ears
• Tickling or tingling sensation
• Problems with balance

The length and severity of eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms depend on the cause. For example, if ETD is caused by a change in altitude, these symptoms will often disappear as the body adjusts to pressure or reaches a lower height.

On the other hand, Eustachius tube dysfunction caused by a disease or infection can last longer. For anyone experiencing ETD symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks should see a doctor immediately.