If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

OVERVIEW

What is Eustachian tube dysfunction?

The Eustachian tube is a small passageway that connects your throat to your middle ear. When you sneeze, swallow or yawn, your Eustachian tubes open. This keeps air pressure and fluid from building up inside your ear.  But sometimes an Eustachian tube might get plugged. This is called Eustachian tube dysfunction. When this happens, sounds may be muffled, and your ear may feel full. You may also have ear pain.

SYMPTOMS

What are symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction?

If you have Eustachian tube dysfunction:

• Your ears may feel plugged or full.
• Sounds may seem muffled.
• You may feel a popping or clicking sensation (children may say their “ear tickles”).
• You may have pain in one or both ears.
• You may hear ringing in your ears (called tinnitus).
• You may sometimes have trouble keeping your balance.

Your symptoms may get worse with changes in altitude. This includes flying in an airplane, riding in elevators, driving through mountains, or diving.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What causes Eustachian tube dysfunction?

The most common cause of Eustachian tube dysfunction is when the tube become swollen (inflamed) and mucus or fluid builds up. This can be caused by a cold, the flu, a sinus infection, or allergies. Some people are at greater risk for Eustachian tube dysfunction. They include:

• Their tubes are shorter and straighter than those of an adult. This makes it easier for germs to reach the middle ear and for fluid to become trapped there. Also, children’s immune systems are not fully developed, so it’s harder for them to fight off infections.
• People who smoke. Smoking damages the cilia (the tiny hairs that sweep mucus from the middle ear to the back of the nose). This can allow mucus to gather in the tubes.
• People who are obese. Fatty deposits around the tubes can lead to Eustachian tube dysfunction.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How is Eustachian tube dysfunction diagnosed??

Your healthcare provider will talk to you about your symptoms and examine you. They may examine your ear canals and eardrums, and your nasal passages and the back of your throat.

PREVENTION

Can Eustachian tube dysfunction be prevented or avoided?

Reduce your risk of developing Eustachian tube dysfunction by treating the underlying cause of the blockage. This is usually allergies, a cold, or the flu.

TREATMENT

Symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction usually go away without treatment. You can do exercises to open up the tubes. This includes swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum. You can help relieve the “full ear” feeling by taking a deep breath and blowing with your mouth shut and your nostrils pinched closed.

If you think your baby may have Eustachian tube dysfunction, feed them. You can also give them a pacifier. These encourage the swallow reflex.

If these strategies don’t help, your healthcare provider may suggest other options. These can include:

• Using a decongestant to reduce the swelling of the lining of the tubes.
• Taking an antihistamine or using a steroid nasal spray to reduce the allergic response.
• Making a tiny incision in the eardrum and suctioning out the fluid in the middle ear. This gives the Eustachian tube lining time to shrink while the eardrum is healing (usually 1 to 3 days).
• Implanting small tubes in the eardrums. These let built-up fluid drain out of the middle ear. Children who get a lot of ear infections sometimes get tubes in their ears. They stay in up to 18 months and fall out on their own.

Health Canada Warning

Health Canada advises against the use of ear candles. Ear candles can cause serious injuries and there is no evidence to support their effectiveness. For more information, please visit the Health Canada website at  https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/medical-procedures/ear-candling.html

Living with Eustachian tube dysfunction

Managing your symptoms when you have allergies or a cold is important. This can keep your Eustachian tubes clear and prevent an infection. Home care usually takes care of any problems. This includes exercises such as swallowing or yawning. If you or your child show symptoms of severe pain in the ear, contact your healthcare provider.