Nassau Standard

• Eustachian tubes are slender tubes connecting the middle ears to the upper throat.
• They play a role in balancing ear pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear, which is situated behind the eardrum.
• If you're suffering from ear troubles, it could be a result of eustachian tube dysfunction, caused by sinusitis.

If you're dealing with ear pain, trouble hearing, or the feeling of your ears being clogged, you might be dealing with eustachian tube dysfunction. Dr. Joseph Capo of the Capo Nose & Sinus Center said there are a few different options to treat this issue.

"When addressing eustachian tube dysfunction, our initial approach prioritizes conservative medical management. We always begin with the least-invasive options," Dr. Capo told the Nassau Standard. "These options encompass nasal steroid sprays, such as Fluticasone or Flonase, which help reduce inflammation in the nose, especially if sinus problems or allergies are contributing to the condition. For those patients who do not respond adequately to these medications and are dealing with chronic or recurring eustachian tube dysfunction, we provide a procedure known as eustachian tube dilation."

Eustachian tubes are narrow passages that can become obstructed for various reasons, according to Healthline. When these tubes are blocked, it can result in pain, hearing challenges, and a sensation of fullness in the ears, a condition known as eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).

ETD can arise from allergies, a typical cold, influenza, or chronic acid reflux. Symptoms may intensify during altitude changes, such as on an airplane or during scuba diving, according to Cleveland Clinic. While ETD often resolves spontaneously, if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, seeking advice from a doctor is advisable. At-home remedies for addressing ETD may involve chewing gum, yawning, swallowing, or using a saline nasal spray.

Cleveland Clinic reported that in cases where at-home remedies or medications prove ineffective for addressing ETD, a physician may suggest an in-office procedure. One available option is eustachian tuboplasty, also referred to as eustachian tube balloon dilation. This relatively recent procedure entails the insertion of a small balloon through the nasal passage into the eustachian tube, followed by inflation. The balloon is maintained in an inflated state for approximately two minutes before being deflated and removed by the doctor. Typically, patients recover from this surgery within one day or so.

Dr. Capo is the founder of Capo Nose and Sinus Center, according to the organization's website. Having completed a five-year residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, his main focus was on addressing sinus and nasal disorders in individuals. Capo has conducted over 1000 sinus procedures and also performs septoplasty and Latera nasal valve implant procedures directly in the office.