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Conditions and Disorders

什么are the common disorders affecting the eustachian tubes?

If your eustachian tubes don’t function properly, it can result in fluid buildup, ear pressure or ear pain. Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) may be associated withear infections. The most common ETDs include:

• Patulous ETD.
• Obstructive ETD.
• Baro-challenge-induced ETD.

Patulous eustachian tube dysfunction

This condition occurs when your eustachian tubes stay open. When this happens, sound may travel from your nasal cavity to your ears, causing you to hear your own breathing or your own voice too loudly. You might even hear your own blood pumping.

Caused by chronic nasalallergies, weight loss,GERD (chronic acid reflux)or neuromuscular diseases, patulous eustachian tube dysfunction is often resolved with nasal drops. Or your symptoms may improve if you drink more water or limit caffeine and decongestants. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the issue.

Obstructive eustachian tube dysfunction

This condition occurs when your eustachian tubes don’t open properly. As a result, fluid may build up in your ears and you may experience pain or pressure. Many people with obstructive eustachian tube dysfunction experience muffled hearing as well.

Obstructive eustachian tube dysfunction can be caused by environmental allergies, acid reflux,sinusitisor abnormal tissue growth, such asear tumors. You may be able to ease your symptoms by taking medication and avoiding triggers. Some people might need surgery, which may include balloon dilation of their eustachian tube, adenoid removal, placement ofear tubesor tissue mass removal. Appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the dysfunction.

Baro-challenge-induced eustachian tube dysfunction

This condition is similar to obstructive ETD — it occurs when your eustachian tubes don’t open properly. However, people with baro-challenge-induced ETD only develop symptoms whentraveling by airplane, scuba diving, driving through the mountains or engaging in other activities that involve atmospheric pressure changes.

Like obstructive ETD, treatment for baro-challenge-induced ETD depends on the cause. However, research has indicated that balloon dilation of the eustachian tube is highly effective for military pilots and divers with the condition.

什么are some common eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms?

If you have eustachian tube dysfunction, you may develop a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• A feeling of fullness in your ears.
• Muffled sounds or distorted hearing.
• Popping or clicking sensations.
• Ear pain on one or both sides.
• Ringing in your ears (tinnitus).
• Balance problemsordizziness.

什么are some common tests to check the health of the eustachian tubes?

If you’re showing signs of eustachian tube dysfunction, your healthcare provider will examine your ear drum to see if it’s functioning properly. They may also run tests to measure the pressure inside of your ear.

什么are some common treatments for the eustachian tubes?

In many cases, eustachian tube dysfunction goes away on its own. Conservative treatments, such as taking medication and avoiding triggers, are often helpful. Severe or chronic eustachian tube dysfunction may require surgery.

Keep in mind that even thoughantihistaminesand decongestants may work for some people, they can actually make eustachian tube dysfunction worse in some cases. If you’ve had symptoms for longer than a week, call your healthcare provider. They can help you determine the appropriate course of action.