The function of the eustachian tube, an important part of the ear

The function of the eustachian canal is very important in the process of hearing and the health of the ear as a whole. Apart from playing a role in the hearing process, the eustachian tube also serves to protect the ear from infection. More clearly, consider the explanation below.

What are the functions of the eustachian tube?

The eustachian tube is the tube that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx, which is the upper throat and the back of the nasal cavity. This channel measures approximately 36 mm in adults.

This channel, which can also be called the pharyngotympanic tube, has many important functions. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology mentions that there are three functions of the eustachian tube related to the middle ear, namely:

• Protection from nasopharyngeal sound pressure and secretions
• Cleaning fluid from the middle ear
• Balances the air pressure in the middle ear with atmospheric pressure

The eustachian tube is closed when you are resting. However, when this tube interacts with two muscles called the tensor veli palatini and levator veli palatini, the eustachian tube opens.

This condition occurs when you sneeze, swallow, or yawn. This prevents air pressure and fluid from building up inside the ear. In the process, the ear may produce a "popping" sound that is produced by a small amount of air entering the middle ear.

What are the disorders of the eustachian tubes?

The following are ear disorders that occur when the eustachian tube is troubled:

1. Eustachian tube dysfunction

The eustachian tube may not function properly. The drain can become blocked and cannot be opened properly. This condition is called eustachian tube dysfunction (Eustachian duct dysfunction).

Common causes of eustachian duct dysfunction are inflammation of the ducts and mucus or fluid build-up. This condition can be caused by a cold, flu, sinus infection, or allergies.

Some of the symptoms of eustachian duct dysfunction include:

• Ears feel full or blocked
• The sound will sound like it's muffled
• The ears feel a popping or clicking sensation
• Pain in one or both ears
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Difficulty maintaining balance

Your symptoms may get worse with changes in altitude. This condition occurs when you are on an airplane, in an elevator, driving, hiking, or diving.

2. Otitis media

Malfunctioning of the eustachian tubes can also lead to otitis media, aka middle ear infection. This channel helps equalize pressure between the outer and middle ear.

When the eustachian tube is not functioning properly, it prevents fluid from the middle ear from escaping naturally. As a result, fluid builds up behind the eardrum. When ear fluid is unable to escape, bacteria and viruses can grow in the ear and cause acute otitis media.

3. Patulous eustachian tube

Patulous eustachian tube is a condition when the eustachian tubes are kept open all the time. As explained above, the eustachian tube normally remains closed, but opens occasionally to equalize air pressure in the middle ear and the external environment.

In most cases, the cause of this condition is unknown. Some cases show neurological disorders, such as stroke and multiple sclerosis resulted in patulous eustachian tube.

Over time, people with this condition will experience hearing loss due to the increased pressure inside the ear. This condition can also result in an extreme response to abnormal sounds.

Resultant symptoms patulous eustachian tube, among others:

• Hear your own breath
• Hearing echoes that interfere with the speaking process
• Full sensation to the ear
• Vertigo
• Hearing disorders

How to deal with eustachian tube disorders?

Treatment for eustachian tube dysfunction is determined based on the condition and cause. The following treatment options may be able to treat eustachian dysfunction:

1. Independent exercise

Quoted from the Family Doctor, the symptoms of eustachian tract disorders usually disappear without treatment. You can do exercises to open the eustachian tube, such as swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum.

You can help relieve the feeling of fullness in your ears by taking deep breaths, closing your nostrils, and blowing with your mouth closed.

2. Medicines

If independent exercise does not resolve the eustachian tube dysfunction, the doctor will usually prescribe medications, such as:

• Decongestants to reduce swelling of the lining of the eustachian tubes
• Antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays to reduce allergic responses

3. Operations

Source: Sohu

More severe malfunctioning of the eustachian tubes requires more intensive treatment, namely surgery. Here are some surgical procedures that your doctor may recommend to treat your condition:

Liquid suction

The fluid suction procedure is performed by making a small incision in the eardrum and suctioning out the fluid in the middle ear. This gives the lining of the eustachian tube time to shrink while the eardrum is healing. This process usually takes one to three days.

Installation of the implant line

This procedure involves implanting the eustachian tube in the eardrum. This tool serves to remove fluid that has accumulated in the middle ear. Eustachian tube implants are usually performed on children who have ear infections.

Catheter balloon installation

In this procedure, the doctor will use a catheter (long, flexible tube) to insert a small balloon through your nose and into the Eustachian tube. When inflated, the balloon opens a path for fluid in the ear to flow through the tube. This can help the eustachian duct function properly.

The success of this procedure is measured by improvement in symptoms, including ear pressure, pain, fullness, and tolerance to pressure changes such as when in air travel.