What is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
Eustachian tube dysfunction occurs when the Eustachian tube is unable to function properly. The most common causes for this are infections such as the common cold, sinusitis and throat infections. Other causes include nasal allergies (e.g. allergic rhinitis) and exposure to pollutants or cigarette smoke. All of these can cause inflammation and swelling of the Eustachian tube. Should the tube become swollen to the point of becoming blocked, the lining of the middle ear absorbs the air that is trapped there. This creates a partial vacuum in the middle ear which pulls the eardrum inward. Ear drum retraction along with the negative air pressure are responsible for causing the predominant symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction—-pain, a sensation of pressure or fullness in the ears, and hearing loss. Dizziness, unsteadiness and ringing in the ears can occur also. Young children (especially ages 1 to 6 years) are at particular risk for Eustachian tube dysfunction because they have very nar
The Eustachian tube is a small canal that connects the middle ear (behind the eardrum) to the back of the nose and upper throat. Its purpose is to equalize the air pressure in the middle ear with the outside environment. Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) occurs when the tube fails to open during swallowing or yawning, which results in a difference between the air pressure inside and outside the middle ear. It causes discomfort in the ear, hearing problems and will usually result in fluid accumulation behind the eardrum. Causes If the pressure in the environment changes without a change in middle ear pressure, the ear may feel blocked and the eardrum cannot vibrate normally. This can cause hearing problems and discomfort in the ear. It will also create a vacuum in the middle ear which will begin drawing fluid from the surrounding tissue – accumulating behind the ear drum – further hindering the ability of the eardrum to vibrate normally. This can lead to a condition called Middle Ear Ef
