EUSTACHIAN TUBE BALLOON DILATION
WHAT IS THE EUSTACHIAN TUBE AND EUSTACHIAN TUBE BALLOON DILATION?
Eustachian tube balloon dilation is a novel cutting edge technology to improve the function of the eustachian tube. The eustachian tubes are tubes or channels that connect the back of the nose on either side with the middle ears behind the ear drum. Their role is to equalize the atmospheric pressure on either side of the ear drum. Muscles that open and close the tubes on either side help with equalizing this pressure especially during flights, swimming, change in weather, scuba diving. Yawning or popping the ears or even swallowing helps open the eustachian tubes and in neutralizing the pressures inside the middle ear.
WHAT IS EUSTACHIAN TUBE DYSFUNCTION?
Eustachian tube dysfunction is a broad term used for when the tubes are not working properly and unable to open and equalize pressures in the middle ear. In children, this is a common problem resulting in frequent ear infections. In adults, it may occur due to allergies, sinus inflammation, or dysfunction of the muscles that open the tubes.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF EUSTACHIAN TUBE DYSFUNCTION?
In adults, typical ear symptoms will be a sense of ears feeling full or plugged up or a feeling that the “ears are underwater”. There may be ear pain deep in the ear or often just below the ear behind the jaw or there may be hearing loss. Occasionally ear infections may occur with fluid or pus behind the eardrum. When these symptoms last for more than 3 months, it is considered chronic eustachian tube dysfunction.
WHAT DOES THE EUSTACHIAN TUBE DILATION PROCEDURE ACCOMPLISH?
During the procedure, a balloon is placed in the affected eustachian tube and dilated for 2 minutes to open the eustachian tubes as the problem occurs when the eustachian tube is not opening and equalizing the pressure. the goal of balloon dilation is to improve the narrowing of the eustachian tube and to normalize eustachian tube function thereby improve the symptoms.
HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
The procedure is a quick 15-20 minute one during which the nose, roof of the mouth, and back of the nose are numbed with a local anesthetic, and the balloon placed through the nose in each Eustachian tube and dilated for two minutes. The procedure is performed in the office and individuals can drive home and work the same day.