Do you have chronic issues with a full or clogged sensation in your ears? Do you have a difficult time flying in a plane or driving over mountains due to ear pressure issues? A new technology with recent FDA approval is here to solve your problems. The FDA has just approved a new Eustachian tube balloon to help people who have chronic issues with middle ear pressure.
What is a Eustachian Tube?
The Eustachian tube is a vent that connects your middle ear to the back of your nose. In typical situations, it opens and closes throughout the day to maintain an equal pressure inside your ears with the outside world. This happens when we yawn, swallow, or try to pop our ears by pinching the nose and blowing. Additionally, when air pressure increases rapidly, while flying on a plane, for example, these activities can be done on purpose to reduce the pressure and improve air flow.
Problems with Eustachian Tube
The function of the tube is to ventilate the middle ear space and ensure pressure remains normal. Additionally, it drains any accumulated secretions, infections, or possible debris. Often, the nasal opening of the Eustachian tube is closed preventing any chance of contaminated particles entering the middle ear.
If your Eustachian tube is not working correctly, you may develop chronic negative pressure or fluid in your middle ear. This will lead to:
Fullness of the ear
Ear popping or cracking
Mild hearing loss
Ringing in the ear
Traditional treatment with ear tubes works well to bypass the Eustachian tube, but it is temporary and does not address the exact cause of the problem.
What Causes Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
Issues with the eustachian tube are one of the most common ear problems found amongst children and adults. Many individuals find they have chronic issues which need medical attention, but the following are all causes of a congested tube:
The common cold or other respiratory infections.
Sinus infection and allergies cause swelling of the tissue which leads to puffy ears.
Children's tubes are smaller and more horizontal making them particularly prone to blockage.
Having excessively small tubes.
Smoking sweeps mucus from the middle ear to the Eustachian tube.
Adenoid issues in the back of the nose can cause recurring infections and a breeding ground for bacteria.
How the Eustachian Tube Balloon Works
Traditional treatment for a dysfunctional Eustachian tube involved decongestants and home exercises which helped reduce the swelling inside the ear. Many doctors will try antihistamines or nasal spray to alleviate pressure, but if these methods fail, surgery is suggested. Typically, during the operation, small incisions are made in the eardrum or tubes are inserted. While these methods are useful, they can be invasive.
New Eustachian tube balloons work by gently expanding the tubes from their openings in the nose. This then allows a pressure release from the middle ears. It is usually performed under a general anesthesia, but patients can be awake if they desire.
Benefits of Eustachian Tube Balloon
The new FDA approved balloon implant is a great option. In a recent article, the FDA said about the new process:
"Participants’ middle ear function was tested using a tympanogram, a method of measuring the mobility of the eardrum and pressure inside the ear. Of the patients who underwent the Aera system procedure, 52 percent had tympanogram results within a normal functioning range six weeks after the procedure, compared to 14 percent of the patients who were treated only with conventional medical management (nasal spray)."
The side-effects are minimal if any at all. Some patients had small tears and minor bleeding, but all of which healed without difficulty over time.
Balloon implants can relieve patients from issues almost immediately. If you would like to see if you are a good candidate for Eustachian tube balloon, make an appointment today.
