Woman holding ear in discomfort

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Woman holding ear in discomfort

From pain and pressure to ringing, crackling and popping in the ears, ETD may not only cause discomfort and limit your hearing. It can also keep you from enjoying your life to its fullest.

What Is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

Chronic ear problems may be an indication of Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), a condition caused when the Eustachian tube(s) don’t open and close properly.1 The tube may be narrowed or clogged and this can cause pain, pressure and other symptoms. Studies have shown that up to 5% of adults in the U.S. have ETD.2

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Illustration of the inner ear
Man holding ears in discomfort

ETD Signs and Symptoms

The condition abbreviated as ETD is the failure of the valve of the Eustachian tube to open and/or close properly which can cause pressure and pain. (3,4)
Man holding ear in pain

What Are the Causes of ETD?

When the lining of the Eustachian tube becomes swollen, this inflammation can narrow or block the tube, resulting in ETD or dysfunction of the tube.
Inner ear illustration

Do I Have Persistent ETD?

Depending on the severity of your symptoms there are different treatment options that may be available.

Treatment Options

For mild symptoms, simple actions like swallowing, yawning, chewing or forced exhalation with a closed mouth and nose can help to equalize pressure in the middle ear and resolve mild symptoms.

For persistent symptoms, your doctor may suggest medical management such as decongestants, oral medications, nasal spray preparations, antihistamines and antibiotics (for treatment of rhinosinusitis).

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Doctor using otoscope on patient
Woman holding ear in pain

What to Do Based on Symptoms?

Depending on the severity of your Eustachian Tube Dysfunction symptoms, your doctor will advise an appropriate treatment plan.
Illustration of the inner ear

ACCLARENT AERA®

The ACCLARENT AERA® Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation System, first-of-its-kind*, is a safe and minimally invasive treatment for ETD.
Man holding head in pain

Balloon Dilation vs. Ear Tubes

Both are meant to restore hearing and comfort. Both minimize ear pressure. But both are not the same.

Find a Doctor

Please Note: The Find your Doctor locator ("Locator") provided here is intended for use by the general public as a quick reference for patients wanting to locate physicians who perform procedures with the Acclarent portfolio. Integra LifeSciences and its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, and representatives (collectively "Integra") does not, in anyway, endorse the individuals, institutions or group practices included in the Locator. Similarly, any omission from the Locator does not suggest disapproval or any other position or assessment by Integra.

*September 16, 2016

Disclaimer: The information featured here is not intended as medical advice, or to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. This content is intended for audience within the US only.

References

  1. Llewellyn, A., Norman, G., Harden, M., Coatesworth, A., Kimberling, D., Schilder, A. and McDaid, C. (2014). Interventions for adult Eustachian tube dysfunction: a systematic review. HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT, 18; 1-180.
  2. Ockermann, T., Reineke, U., Upile, T., Ebmeyer, F., Sudho, H.H. (2010). Balloon Dilatation Eustachian Tuboplasty: A Clinical Study. Laryngoscope, 120:1411–1416.1.
  3. Grimmer, J.F., & Poe, D.S. (2005) Update on Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and the Patulous Eustachian Tube. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head and Heck Surg, 13: 277-282.
  4. Randrup, T.S. & Ovesen, T. (2015) Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty: A Systematic Review. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 152(3); 383–392.