Understanding Dysfunction of Eustachian tube: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Sign In

All Posts Conditions About

Explore Over 11,000+ Conditions, Medications, and Symptoms.

Get a personalized feed by signing up for free.

All Conditions

Dysfunction of Eustachian tube

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

The eustachian tubes connect your middle ears to the back of the throat. The eustachian tubes equalize air pressure and help drain fluid from your ears. When they become clogged, it’s called eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).

104 people with Dysfunction of Eustachian tube are on Alike.

"Alike is the place to get answers from people who firsthand share your health challenges"

Signs & symptoms

People with ETD may experience a number of warning signs. Common eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms include: * Hearing problems. * Tinnitus, or ringing in your ears. * Clicking or popping sounds. * A feeling of fullness in your ears. * Pain that mimics an ear infection. * Dizziness, vertigo or balance problems. * A 'tickling' sensation in your ears. Eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms may get worse in higher altitudes. This is called barotrauma, and it can happen while scuba diving, flying in an airplane or driving in the mountains.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your ears. They’ll check your ear canals, nasal passages and the back of your throat.

Treatment

In most cases, treatment isn’t necessary because ETD often resolves on its own. However, a patient might need treatment if the symptoms linger for more than two weeks. Eustachian tube dysfunction treatment depends on the cause and the severity of your condition. Treatments may include home remedies, medications or, in severe cases, surgery.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

Alike Wisdom

Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences

Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.

About Alike Wisdom Blog FAQ Editorial Team All Conditions All Posts All Communities Support

Your Privacy Stories Community Guidelines Terms of Use Privacy Policy Helplines Contact Us Group Chats Guidelines Moderation Process