Eustachian tube dysfunction and balloon dilatation
A blocked-up, popping or muffled feeling in the ears from a Eustachian tube that is not opening properly. Often treatable with simple measures, with balloon dilatation as a day-case option for persistent cases.
The Eustachian tube runs from the back of the nose to the middle ear and equalises pressure across the eardrum when you swallow or yawn. When it does not open properly the ear feels blocked, popping or muffled, particularly around colds, allergies, flights and dives.
Common symptoms
- A blocked or pressurised feeling in one or both ears
- Popping, crackling or clicking, especially on swallowing
- Muffled hearing that fluctuates, particularly after a cold or a flight
- Pain on descent in a plane or when diving
Why the nose matters
The tube opens at the back of the nose, so anything inflaming that area, rhinitis, sinusitis or reflux, inflames the tube opening with it. Treating the nose is usually the first and most effective treatment for the ear symptoms, which is where a rhinology-led approach helps.
Assessment and treatment
Assessment includes examination of the ear and the back of the nose with a small endoscope, a hearing test and tympanometry. Treatment starts with nasal steroid sprays and pressure-equalising techniques; for persistent cases, balloon Eustachian tuboplasty is a day-case procedure that dilates the tube through the nose, with good results in well-selected patients.
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This page is general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice.