Eustachian Tube Dysfunction – (ETD)
What is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)?
Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a condition in which the passage connecting the middle ear to the throat can’t equalize pressure between the middle ear and the environment. Though more common in children, the condition affects about 11 million U.S. adults. It may be short-lived and can occur with upper respiratory tract infections. However, in many patients, ETD does not resolve quickly, and patients may suffer from chronic ear infections and other long-term ear disorders. Symptoms include muffled hearing, ringing, ear pain, and hearing loss.
Understanding ETD at a Glance
If you’re experiencing symptoms of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, seeing how the condition affects the ear can be helpful. The slides below provide a visual overview of how the Eustachian tube functions, what happens when it doesn’t open properly, and why symptoms like pressure, fullness, and hearing changes may occur.
ETD Treatment Options Include Medical Management, Tympanostomy, and Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation (ETBD)
Medical Management
Medical management of eustachian tube dysfunction often focuses on treating contributing nasal congestion and inflammation — such as with nasal steroid sprays, allergy medicines, or short‑term decongestants when appropriate — depending on severity, duration, and underlying cause. An evaluation with our ENT expert can assess whether medications can help and determine additional options for relief.
Tympanostomy (Ear Tubes)
The implantation of ear tubes creates an alternative route for ventilation of the middle ear but doesn’t address the underlying cause of the ETD and may be associated with complications such as infection or damage to the ear drum. Tubes are usually placed in the office as an adult or the operating room for children. Ear tubes are usually temporary and fall out on their own. These may need replacement in the future after they fall out if the issues return.
Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation
ETBD is a minimally invasive treatment where a balloon is threaded through your nasal passages and then into your eustachian tube. This can be done in the office or operating room under anesthesia. The balloon is then inflated for two minutes, then deflated to remove it. In many cases this can have long-term improvement and may even be a permanent solution to eustachian tube dysfunction in the right patients.
Acclarent Aera™ Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation System
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