Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and Hearing Loss
Hearing problems can have a range of different causes - and sometimes the eustachian tubes are to blame. Our eustachian tubes are a vital part of the ears, providing protection and many other functions. However, there are times when the eustachian tubes simply don’t function properly and this can cause problems. So, how do you deal with eustachian tube dysfunction and hearing loss if it happens to you?
What are the eustachian tubes?
These tubes are a key part of the ear, linking the middle ear to the back of the nose. Healthy eustachian tubes are usually closed but they will open when you do certain actions, such as swallowing or chewing. Our ears function healthily because of the eustachian tubes - they act as a way to drain fluid from the ear, to equalise pressure in the ear so that the eardrum is healthy and also to provide ventilation. Crucially, eustachian tubes will also protect your ears from anything that could cause an infection.
What is eustachian tube dysfunction?
This happens when a problem prevents the eustachian tube from doing what it needs to do in order to protect the ears and create the right conditions for them to function properly. Most often, whatever the problem is will cause the eustachian tubes to stay shut when they should be opening. The result is eustachian tube dysfunction, which can also lead to hearing loss.
What are the signs?
There are many different indications that you might have a problem with your eustachian tubes and these are some of them:
- Experiencing muffled sounds and having difficulty hearing
- Pain in the ear and the surrounding area
- Feeling like your ears are full of something
- Tinnitus - a constant noise in the ears that for many people manifests as a ringing sound
Why deal with eustachian tube dysfunction?
If you are experiencing issues that could be connected to your eustachian tubes it’s important to get some help. This is a problem that can lead to a number of more serious conditions that can affect your quality of life going forward. For example, untreated eustachian tube dysfunction can lead to an ear infection, a perforated eardrum, damage to the eardrum or the middle ear, as well as much more serious conditions such as the collapse of the eardrum or Cholesteatoma, a collection of cells that will damage the inside of your ear.
Treatment options
There are many different options when it comes to eustachian tube dysfunction and getting some medical help from an ENT doctor will give you access to all of these. For example, something as simple as antihistamine tablets or nasal sprays may be all you need to tackle the problem. Other options include draining tubes or balloon dilation that can help to restore eustachian tubes to an open position.
If you’re struggling with eustachian tube dysfunction then it’s essential to get help. This will not only improve your long-term outlook but your experience of the world - and how you hear it - every day too.
Harley Street is the UK's foremost private medical centre which is dedicated to providing high-quality care for your ear, nose, throat, head & neck, and balance-related disorders. Find out more information on how Harley Street ENT can help you here.
