Manatee Review

• Allergies and infections are the most common causes of eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).
• ETD might resolve on its own, but if symptoms last longer than two weeks, it's recommended to see a doctor.
• Treatment options include at-home remedies, prescription antibiotics or surgical procedures.

Eustachian tube dysfunction can be uncomfortable, and Dr. Mariah Pate of Tampa Bay Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers says that there now are treatment options available for patients.

"Eustachian tube dysfunction is a condition that leads to ear fullness, pressure, popping and crackling -- difficulty when equalizing on airplanes or going over into a high altitude,” Pate told Manatee Review. “This condition is very common and really goes hand-in-hand with sinus and allergies.”

According to Cleveland Clinic, the eustachian tube connects the middle ears to the upper throat, and when the tube is blocked, it can result in hearing issues, balance problems, ringing in the ears and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ears. It also may result in pain similar to an ear infection. The issue is known as eustachian tube dysfunction.

“I'm sure you have friends or family members who can never clear their ears,” Pate said. “Some of this dysfunction is very common, and it does affect many people. It leads to having decreased hearing, pressure, fullness and popping throughout the day. This condition can be difficult to treat. It can be caused by many different problems, but many times it's due to sinus and allergies and is very closely related to those problems."

ETD can result from allergies, a cold, the flu or chronic acid reflux, and the issues could get worse with changes in altitude, like when you fly or while scuba-diving. While ETD may resolve on its own, it is important to see a doctor if the issues persist. Antihistamines or other over-the-counter treatments could help when the issue is caused by allergies. If your ETD is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be required.

When at-home remedies fall short, a doctor might suggest a surgical option, such as a eustachian tuboplasty, often referred to as eustachian tube balloon dilation. This is a relatively new procedure, which involves the insertion of a small balloon into the nasal passage and onward to the eustachian tube, where it is inflated for about two minutes. Recovery from this procedure takes about one day.

According to Cleveland Clinic, other surgical options can include myringotomy and pressure equalization tubes. A myringotomy requires a small incision in the eardrum, which allows any fluid to exit the middle ear. Recovery takes three to four weeks. Tubes to equalize pressure are placed inside the eardrum, where they improve ventilation and they remain there for 12 to 18 months.

To learn more about the symptoms of allergies, sinusitis and ETD, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.