Babies and toddlers with Eustachian tube dysfunction may benefit from frequent feeding or sucking on a pacifier. Some people with more severe or chronic symptoms may need to undergo a surgical procedure. These include: 6. After making a tiny incision in the eardrum, your doctor can suction out fluid from the middle ear, giving the Eustachian tube lining time to shrink while the eardrum is healing.
Implantation of small tubes in the eardrums allows built-up fluid to drain out of the middle ear. This procedure is commonly performed on young children who get frequent ear infections. The tubes stay in for up to 18 months and fall out on their own. Many of the current treatment options for Eustachian tube dysfunction are limited or invasive, but a newer treatment option using balloon dilation can restore Eustachian tube function and relieve symptoms. During this procedure, your doctor will insert a small balloon through your nose and into your Eustachian tube.
The balloon will then be gently inflated, and after treatment, removed. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Enter your zip code and preferred radius to find physicians near you who specialize in diagnosing and treating Eustachian tube dysfunction. Skip to main content. What Is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction? If your symptoms worsen, stop trying to pop your ears and consult your doctor. If you try to unclog your ears with over-the-counter OTC or prescription medications, avoid prolonged use. If your symptoms persist, talk to your doctor. When you swallow, your muscles automatically work to open the Eustachian tube.
This tube connects the middle ear to the back of your nose. Yawning also helps open the Eustachian tube. Open your mouth as wide as it will go while breathing in and out.
This may have the same result. Pinch your nostrils closed with your fingers. Try to keep your cheeks neutral, or pulled in, rather than puffed out. Next, blow air gently through your nostrils. This generates pressure in the back of the nose, which may help open the Eustachian tube. For this technique, pinch your nostrils closed with your fingers while swallowing.
Some research indicates that the Toynbee maneuver is just as effective as the Valsalva maneuver, though results differ from person to person. You may want to try both to determine which method works best for you. Holding a warm washcloth or covered heating pad against the ear can help eliminate congestion and open the Eustachian tube.
This method can also feel soothing. It may be most effective if you have clogged ears due to a cold, the flu , or allergies. Unclogging your nasal passageways can help with clogged ears.
If you use an OTC nasal decongestant , make sure to follow the directions carefully. You may want to try the Valsalva or Toynbee maneuver after using a decongestant.
There are many OTC nasal steroids you can try. Most people notice that their ears feel worse in a plane during take-off and landing when the airplane is making a quick ascent or descent. Someone with clogged ears should see their doctor if the ears do not pop using these strategies. Anyone experiencing persistent pain or discomfort in their ear should contact their doctor sooner. The doctor may suggest medication, such as decongestants or steroids, to help clear the ear, or antibiotics if a person has an ear infection.
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Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Important Phone Numbers. Top of the page. Topic Overview What are the eustachian tubes, and how do they get blocked? What causes blocked eustachian tubes? What are the symptoms? Blocked eustachian tubes can cause several symptoms, including: Ears that hurt and feel full. Ringing or popping noises in your ears. Hearing problems. Feeling a little dizzy. How are blocked tubes diagnosed? How are they treated?
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