Ft Worth Times

• 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.

Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) can cause pain, discomfort, hearing issues and could require medical treatment, but Dr. Monty Trimble of Dallas Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers suggests the condition can be improved through sinus health.

According to Healthline, eustachian tubes are the narrow passageways that connect the middle ears to the upper throat. Their primary role is to regulate ear pressure and facilitate the drainage of fluid from the middle ear, which is located behind the eardrum. These  tubes are usually closed, except when chewing, swallowing or yawning. 

"Eustachian tube dysfunction is what happens when the eustachian tube that connects the back of the throat to the middle ear space doesn't work properly," Trimble told Ft. Worth Times. "So if patients who have significant sinus issues get sick, upper respiratory infections can adversely affect the way the eustachian tube functions, and that's often why people may get fluid in their middle ear space or they may get an ear infection. I always tell patients, the interesting thing about ear problems is that most things that people complain about -- from stuffiness to decreased hearing because of an ear infection -- can be improved by improving sinus health."

The Cleveland Clinic pointed out that eustachian tubes are very small in size and can become blocked due to a number of reasons, which 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.

Sinus issues like allergies, a common cold, the flu or chronic acid reflux can also cause ETD. The symptoms could get worse with altitude changes, such as on an airplane or while scuba diving, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

According to Healthline, ETD can occur often. Depending on the underlying cause, it may resolve naturally or with remedies at home. However, in more severe or recurrent instances, it is recommended to seek medical treatment.

If medications or at-home remedies don't work, a physician might suggest a different 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 into the eustachian tube and then inflating the balloon. The balloon remains inflated for about two minutes before the doctor deflates and removes it. It takes just a few days for most patients to recover from this procedure.

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