Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) is estimated to effect up to 5% of the adult population.
Symptoms of ETD can include:
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Ear Pain
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Muffled Hearing
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Clogged Ear
To begin to understand what causes ETD, we must first look at where the Eustachian Tube is located. The Eustachian Tube is the structure that links the nose and middle ear. When the tube is functioning normally, it is a closed tube that opens when we swallow, yawn or chew. It’s purpose is to to protect the middle ear from disease, to ventilate the middle ear, and to help secretions away from the middle ear.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) is the failure of the valve of the Eustachian Tube to open and or close properly.
If ETD is not treated, it can lead to many serious conditions including:
- Otitis media
- Damage to the middle ear
- Damage to the eardrum
- Perforation of the eardrum
- Cholesteatoma
- Collapse of the eardrum into the middle ear
For patients who suffer from ETD, we offer a noninvasive, in-office procedure that treats this condition called “Eustachian Balloon Dilation”.
An Eustachian Tube Dilation procedure is when a physician uses a small catheter to insert a small balloon through the patient’s nose and into the Eustachian tube. Once inflated, the balloon opens up a pathway for mucus and air to flow through the Eustachian tube and restore function. After the tube is dilated, the balloon is then removed.The procedure is completed in less than 30 minutes and the patient has little to no downtime for recovery.
Give our office a call to learn more and to find out if you’re a candidate for Eustachian Tube Dilation (616) 994-2770.