Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), is the inability of the eustachian tube to adequately perform and failure of the valve of the eustachian tube to open and or close properly.

The eustachian tube is the structure that links the nose and the middle ear. When functioning normally, it is a closed tube that opens when we swallow, yawn or chew. The eustachian tube exists to protect the middle ear from disease, to ventilate the middle ear, and to help secretions away from the middle ear.

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Symptoms Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

• Fullness of the ear

• Pain in the ear

• Muffled hearing

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Complications from Untreated ETD:

• Otitis media

• Damage to the middle ear

• Damage to the eardrum

• Perforation of the eardrum

• Cholesteatoma

• Collapse of the eardrum into the middle ear