Montgomery News

• Eustachian tubes are responsible for regulating ear pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear.

• Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) occurs when the tubes are obstructed, resulting in pain, hearing problems and a feeling of fullness in the ears.

• Severe cases of ETD require treatment from a medical professional.

Pain and discomfort caused by blocked eustachian tubes, which regulate ear pressure and drain fluid, could also lead to hearing problems and require treatment, but Dr. Stephen Bane of Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers believes that one procedure could help resolve those symptoms. Bane said a balloon sinuplasty could help patients suffering from ETD feel their best once again.

"The eustachian tube opens in the back of nose for the sinuses to drain. Frequently, sinus issues and eustachian tube issues, allergies and ear problems all go hand in hand; even asthma is a continuum of those issues," Bane told Montgomery News. "With the balloon, we're now able to use that to actually (go) into the eustachian tube and dilate it. So it's a more natural fix with minimal downtime."

The narrow passageways that connect the middle ears to the upper throat are known as eustachian tubes. According to Healthline, their primary role is to regulate ear pressure and facilitate the drainage of fluid from the middle ear, which is situated behind the eardrum. Typically, these tubes remain closed, except when you engage in actions like chewing, swallowing or yawning.

These passageways are very small in size and can become obstructed for several reasons. If the tubes become 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 the Cleveland Clinic. This condition is known as ETD. It can be caused by sinus issues like 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 can occur frequently, and depending on its underlying cause, could resolve by itself or with home remedies, according to Healthline. However, in more severe or recurrent instances, it's recommended to seek medical attention from a doctor.

If at-home remedies or medications do not resolve your ETD, a doctor might recommend another treatment. One option is eustachian tuboplasty, also known as eustachian tube balloon dilation. According to Cleveland Clinic, this procedure is relatively new. It 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 procedure within a couple of days.

To see if you might be affected by ETD, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.