Do you have muffled hearing or popping and clicking of the ear? This may be due to a dysfunction of the Eustachian Tube. Typically caused by a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction occurs in the Eustachian Tube, which connects your nasal cavity to your middle ear. The Eustachian Tube helps to balance the air pressure in the middle ear. When the Eustachian Tube is blocked from congestion or does not open, there is an imbalance of pressure, which can cause muffled hearing, and popping and clicking of the ear.
In children, the tube is smaller and level with the nose, instead of sloped down – this makes it more difficult to drain. That’s why many children get chronic ear infections. To resolve the pressure symptoms, you will want to increase airflow in the Eustachian Tube. You can do this by simply popping your ears. Just close your mouth, squeeze your nose, and gently blow into your closed mouth and nose without letting out the air. Should the issue continue, over-the-counter allergy medications or decongestants can help ease your symptoms.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction can cause discomfort, but thankfully, there are easy solutions. However, should your issues persist, please be sure to let us know.
Valsalva Maneuver
The next time you feel uncomfortable pressure in your ears, and swallowing or yawning does not help, try to “pop” your ears using the Valsalva maneuver. Breathe in and hold it Close your mouth and pinch your nose Forcefully blow air out from both locations. You should feel a tightening in your ears and throat. Swallow. You’ll hear a “popping” sound letting you know the pressure is equalized in your ears. Try the Valsalva maneuver next time you need relief!
Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation
Do you suffer from ear pain during flying or diving? Do you regularly experience intense pressure in your ears, or have been diagnosed with chronic eustachian tube dysfunction? If so, you may want to consider eustachian tube balloon dilation for relief. When the eustachian tube is not functioning correctly, the pressure between the nose and ear is not equalized, causing discomfort. Usually, the feeling of pressure is temporary and can be relieved with yawning or swallowing, similar to when you experience pressure changes on an airplane. However, some people may have a chronic problem with the eustachian tube and need longer-lasting treatments. Eustachian tube balloon dilation widens the tube so that it can restore pressure balance. The procedure is minimally invasive and can be done under general or local anaesthesia.
During the dilation procedure, a flexible tube with a small balloon attached is inserted through the nose and into the eustachian tube. The balloon is then expanded and left in place for about 2 minutes in order to widen the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube. At this point, you may feel pressure in the ear. The balloon is then deflated and removed from the nose. A few days after the procedure, people generally experience reduced pressure and less pain in the ears.
Don’t continue to suffer from ear pressure problems. Talk to us today to see if balloon dilation for eustachian tube is right for you!