How Does the Eustachian Tube Affect Hearing and Ear Health?
When we are yawning, something makes it by our ears. Did you observe any time? Just try once. It is the movement of the eustachian tube. In between the Middle ears and upper part of the throat, a small tube-like structure is available on either side. These tubes are known as eustachian tubes. Its exact location is behind the eardrum. Usually, the eustachian tubes will be enclosed mode. They open whenever we chew RNR swallow etc.
Structure of Eustachian Tube
Usually, that eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the upper part of the throat. Their function is to maintain the stability of pressure in the ears. These tubes also contain some amount of fluids. The structure of the eustachian tube can be understood clearly in the below diagram.
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Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
As the passage of the eustardrum tube throat is small, many people can suffer some blockage or pain or discomfort due to eustachian tube infection. Because of this infection, the air cannot move from the ears, and the person may feel some eustachian tube blockage. This is known as eustachian tube dysfunction.
The eustachian tube disorder may have several reasons, and it is a common problem faced by many people. If the eustachian tube infection is low, it can be cured with simple home remedies itself in less time. If there is a eustachian tube infection, there is a high need to consult an ENT doctor and take his advice. If the eustachian tube is closed and unable to open, it is known as a patulous eustachian tube disorder.
Symptoms of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Several symptoms are there to understand the level of eustachian tube blockage. If it gets relieved soon, there is nothing to worry about. If these symptoms are continuing for a longer time, one should understand that it is time to consult a doctor.
fullness and dizziness in the ears
feeling like ears are "plugged."
Hearing issues
ringing in the ear or continuous sound from ears, also known as tinnitus
ticklish feelings and itching in the ears
Ear pain etc.
Causes of Eustachian Tube Disorder
Various factors and reasons can cause the eustachian tube disorder. Allergies and infections are the basic cause of getting eustachian tube blockage. Apart from these allergies, some more reasons like-
Travelling in a plane
Riding in an elevator
Travelling through the mountains
Obesity may store the fat deposits and doesn't have a place for air to move.
Smoking is also another cause of Eustachian tube blockage.
Hiking is another Factor.
Also, if a person has skin allergies, the mucus may come from the ears and causes eustachian tube dysfunction.
Children have more chances to get these eustachian tube dysfunctions with various flows like cold fever and allergies spread from other children as they have less immunity power.
These are the various reasons and causes for getting the eustachian tube disorder.
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Treatment for Eustachian Tube Dysfunctions
The eustachian tube dysfunction treatment contains various levels of treatment. Because based on the eustachian tube infection, some people require home remedies themselves, some people need medication, and others may require surgical treatment in rare cases. The eustachian job dysfunction treatment also depends on the cause of infection. If the symptoms may not get relieved for 2 weeks, the doctor suggests some over-the-counter medicines accordingly.
Home Remedies
Home remedies are quiet and simple and enough if the person has a mind infection and symptoms for one or two days. Especially for children, it is always safe to try home remedies for treating the eustachian tube dysfunction. They are -
Chewing a bubble gum
Swallowing food or water
Yawning for a long time.
Breathing out with nostrils when the mouth is closed
Saline nasal sprays help to clean out passageways.
OTC and Conventional Method
If the symptoms are continuing for a long time, the ENT doctor may suggest over-the-counter medicines such as pain relievers, etc. Also, some ear drops nasal sprays, oral tablets, antibiotics, etc.
Complications
Certain complications will occur because of ear glue, eardrum contraction, eustachian tube inflammation, etc. Also, it may get an impact on the throat due to eustachian tube throat disorder. These can be cured by small surgeries if necessary.
Conclusion
Hope it is clear about the eustachian tube present behind the eardrum. Even though it is small in size, it plays a pivotal role and faces several disorders. Along with the issues mentioned in the article, some other conditions like clogged ears, etc. So, the sense organ should take proper care as they are sensitive.
FAQs on Eustachian Tube: Structure, Functions & Disorders
1. What is the Eustachian tube and where is it located in the body?
The Eustachian tube is a tiny channel that connects your middle ear to the back of your nose, an area called the nasopharynx. It acts like a pressure-release valve for the ear, ensuring the air pressure on both sides of your eardrum remains equal.
2. What is the main job of the Eustachian tube?
The Eustachian tube has two primary functions:
- Pressure Equalisation: It opens and closes to balance the air pressure in the middle ear with the pressure outside your body. This protects the eardrum from damage caused by pressure changes.
- Fluid Drainage: It allows any fluid or mucus that collects in the middle ear to drain away into the throat, preventing infections.
3. Why do my ears 'pop' when I'm in an airplane or driving up a mountain?
That 'popping' sound is your Eustachian tube in action! When you change altitude quickly, the air pressure outside changes. Your Eustachian tube opens to let air in or out of the middle ear to match the new pressure. The 'pop' is the sound of your eardrum snapping back into its correct position once the pressure is equalised.
4. What happens if the Eustachian tube gets blocked?
If the Eustachian tube is blocked, it can't do its job properly. This can lead to several problems, including:
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
- Muffled hearing or sound distortion.
- Ear pain due to pressure imbalance.
- Fluid buildup, which can lead to a painful middle ear infection (otitis media).
5. Why do young children seem to get more ear infections than adults?
This is directly related to the anatomy of their Eustachian tubes. In children, the tube is shorter, narrower, and more horizontal than in adults. This structure makes it much harder for fluid to drain out of the middle ear and easier for germs from a cold or sore throat to travel up into the ear, causing infections.
6. How do actions like swallowing or yawning help with ear pressure?
Swallowing, yawning, and chewing all activate small muscles in the back of your throat that are attached to the Eustachian tube. When these muscles contract, they pull the tube open for a brief moment. This allows air to flow through and equalise the pressure, which is why these actions often provide relief when your ears feel blocked.
7. How is a common cold connected to that stuffy feeling in my ears?
When you have a cold or sinus infection, the lining of your nose and throat becomes swollen and produces extra mucus. This inflammation can easily block the opening of the Eustachian tube. When the tube is blocked, it creates a vacuum or negative pressure in your middle ear, causing that uncomfortable stuffy or clogged sensation.
