Eustachian tubes are small tubes that run between the middle ears and the post nasal space. They are responsible for equalising ear pressure along with draining and protecting the middle ear. The eustachian tubes are usually closed except when chewing, swallowing, or yawning.

These passageways are tiny in size and can become plugged for various reasons. Blocked eustachian tubes can cause pain, hearing difficulties, a feeling of fullness in the ears, dizziness, popping sounds and tinnitus. Such a phenomenon is referred to as Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD).

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

The length of time that ETD symptoms last depends on the initial cause. Symptoms from altitude changes, for example, may resolve once you return to the altitude with which you are acclimatised. In contrast, illness and other causes of ETD may result in longer-lasting symptoms.

The most common causes of ETD are allergies, chronic rhinosinusitis and the common cold. These conditions may cause your Eustachian tubes to be inflamed or clogged with mucous.

Activities such as travelling at high altitude, flying on a plane, scuba diving, and simply taking an elevator or riding the underground train, all of which involve a change in altitude, may elicit symptoms of ETD.

Endoscopic balloon dilation for ETD is the first technique that truly treats the cause of the symptoms experienced, and recent studies have demonstrated superior symptom improvement compared with medical treatment (0% complication rate).