Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

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, medical management may include:¹

• Decongestants
• Oral medications
• Nasal spray preparations
• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics (for treatment of rhinosinusitis)

Surgical procedures, including:

• Ear tubes—tiny cylinders inserted through the eardrum that permit air to enter the middle ear. They also may be called tympanostomy tubes, myringotomy tubes, ventilation tubes, or PE (pressure equalization) tubes.
• The eardrum is cut or perforated
• Tubes are expected to fall out after a year or two—if needed, the procedure is repeated
• Tubes may need to be replaced several times¹

Eustachian tube balloon dilation—a minimally invasive procedure that inserts and inflates a small balloon in the Eustachian tube to open a narrow or clogged tube

• Nonsurgical outpatient procedure;no cuts or incisions required
• Preserves natural anatomy
• Short recovery time

A clinical study indicates a positive success rate in reaching and opening the Eustachian tubes during the procedure.² In addition, more patients regained normal ear function and reported higher Improvement in Quality of Life Scores compared to medical management alone.³