Eustachian Tube Dilation
We Perform Eustachian Tube Dilation in Burbank, CA
If your ears feel blocked or stuffy or it hurts when you swallow or yawn, you may have a problem with your eustachian tubes. Fortunately, SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers offers a simple treatment to help. Our team specializes in eustachian tube dilation at our state-of-the-art clinic in Burbank, CA. Some patients report symptom improvement after treatment, although results and timing can vary. Let us help relieve your ear problems.
What Is Eustachian Tube Dilation?
Eustachian tube dilation is a medical procedure that opens blocked ear tubes. Your eustachian tubes connect your middle ear to the back of your throat, helping keep air pressure equal on both sides of your eardrum. If these tubes are blocked, you’ll feel pressure and pain in your ears. The dilation procedure uses a small balloon to gently stretch the tubes open. As a result, your eustachian tubes will work better and have fewer painful symptoms.
The procedure is also called eustachian tube balloon dilation. It uses FDA-cleared devices for treating certain cases of Eustachian tube dysfunction. Your doctor will determine if it is appropriate for your specific condition.
What Causes Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
Some people are born with faulty eustachian tubes, while others develop problems as they get older. Several things can cause your eustachian tubes to stop working properly:
- Allergies – Allergies may cause the tissues in your nose and throat to swell, which can block your eustachian tubes.
- Sinus Infections – When your sinuses are infected, the inflammation can spread to your eustachian tubes.
- Colds and Flu – Illness can cause temporary blockages. The mucus and swelling from being sick can block these important tubes.
- Changes in Air Pressure – Air pressure changes when you fly in airplanes or drive up mountains can trigger symptoms.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
If your eustachian tubes aren’t working right, focusing at work or school may become hard. Eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms can also affect your sleep and make you tired. They might worsen when you have a cold or during allergy season. The following symptoms may indicate the need for eustachian tube dilation:
- Feeling like your ears are full or plugged
- Pain or pressure in one or both ears
- Hearing problems or muffled sounds
- Ringing in your ears
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Popping or clicking sounds in your ears
How Does the Eustachian Tube Dilation Procedure Work?
The eustachian tube dilation surgery is relatively straightforward. Although it may cause mild discomfort for a day or two, most of our patients go home the same day.
First, your doctor will give you medicine to make you comfortable. We may administer a local numbing agent or put you to sleep for a short time. Next, our team will insert a small tube through your nose. This tube has a tiny balloon on the end. Your doctor will guide this tube to your eustachian tube opening.
Once the balloon is in the right place, your doctor will fill it with saline solution. This gently stretches your eustachian tube open. The balloon stays inflated for about two minutes. After that, your doctor deflates the balloon and removes it. The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
Like any medical procedure, eustachian tube dilation has some risks, although serious problems are very rare. Some patients have mild side effects, such as temporary ear pain or pressure, small amounts of bleeding, mild dizziness, and temporary hearing changes. These side effects usually fade within a few days.
Serious complications are uncommon. Your doctor will discuss the risks before your procedure and ensure you understand what to expect. While serious complications are uncommon, your doctor will review whether the benefits of this procedure outweigh the risks for your specific ear problems.
Contact Us Today for Relief from Your Ear Problems
If you’re tired of dealing with ear pain and pressure, eustachian tube dilation might be right for you. The SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers team specializes in performing this simple procedure to help our patients feel their best. Contact us today to take the first step toward getting relief from your ear problems.