East Ventura News

Bella Vista ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery wants the local community to know that their staff is available to help patients with their needs -- and aside from sinus and allergies, one of those is alleviating eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).

Eustachian tubes are small tubes that run between the middle ears and the upper throat. They are responsible for equalizing ear pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear, the part behind the eardrum. The eustachian tubes are usually closed, except for when a person chews, swallows or yawns, according to Healthline.

"Eustachian tube dysfunction is basically the tube that connects our nasal pharynx, which is the back of our nose, to the middle ear space in our ear," Dr. Jeffrey Feinfield, a doctor at Bella Vista ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery, told East Ventura News. "We have all experienced pressure or ear fullness when we change elevations or are on an airplane. When we swallow or chew gum, that muscle motion causes the eustachian tube to open up and therefore the pressure on the outside world becomes the same as the inside world."

Dr. Jeffrey Feinfield | Bella Vista ENT

These passageways are small in size and can get plugged for a variety of reasons. Blocked eustachian tubes can cause pain, hearing difficulties and a feeling of fullness in the ears. This phenomenon is referred to as eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).

"When the eustachian tube is not working properly, negative pressure builds up inside and that can cause pain, and it can cause chronic ear infections. That is the basic definition of eustachian tube dysfunction," Feinfield said.

ETD is a relatively common condition. Depending on the cause, it may resolve on its own or through simple at-home treatment measures. Severe or recurring cases, however, may require a visit to the doctor.

"Traditionally one of the techniques to deal with eustachian tube dysfunction would be to make an incision into the eardrum and place a tube," Feinfield said. "Obviously, that's not a very attractive option for a lot of people, and also you can't get your ear wet, so that really makes it difficult for swimmers and even daily shower taking. A newer technique is employing similar balloon technology that we use for the sinuses, and we're able to dilate the eustachian tube to reopen, and it works. Especially in cases where people have pressure in the ears or pain with flying."

If you think you could benefit from seeing a doctor about your allergies, sinuses or ETD, take this online sinus quiz.