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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
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The eustachian tube is a narrow channel connecting the middle ear with the nasopharynx, the upper throat area just above the palate, in the back of the nose. It measures one and a half inches in length.
The eustachian tube functions as a pressure-equalizing valve for the middle ear, which is normally filled with air. When functioning properly, the eustachian tube opens for a fraction of a second periodically (about once every three minutes) in response to swallowing or yawning. This allows air into the middle ear to replace air that has been absorbed by the middle ear lining (mucous membrane) or to equalize pressure changes occurring from altitude changes. Anything that interferes with this periodic opening and closing of the eustachian tube may result in hearing impairment or other ear symptoms.
Obstructions or blockage of the eustachian tube creates a negative middle ear pressure, with retraction (sucking in) of the eardrum membrane. In the adult, this is usually accompanied by some ear discomfort, fullness or pressure feeling and may result in mild hearing impairment and head noise (tinnitus). There may be no symptoms in children. If the blockage is prolonged, fluid may be drawn from the mucous membrane of the middle ear creating a condition called serous otitis media (fluid in the middle ear). This occurs frequently in children with an upper respiratory infection and is the reason for the hearing impairment associated with this condition.
On occasion, blockage causes the tube to remain open for prolonged periods. This is called abnormal patency of the eustachian tube. This condition is less common than serous otitis media and occurs primarily in adults. Because the tube is constantly open, the patient may hear himself breathe and hear his voice reverberate. Fullness and a blocked feeling are common. Abnormal patency (an abnormal opening) of the eustachian tube is annoying but does not produce hearing impairment.
| Eustachian Tube Problems Related To Flying Individuals with a eustachian tube problem may experience difficulty equalizing middle ear pressure when flying. When an aircraft ascends, atmospheric pressure decreases, causing middle ear air pressure to increase. When the aircraft descends, atmospheric pressure increases and there is a decrease in the middle ear pressure. Either situation may cause ear pain if the eustachian tube is not functioning properly. To avoid middle ear problems associated with flying, you should not fly if you have an acute upper respiratory problem such as a common cold, allergy attack, or sinus infection. If you have such a problem and must fly, or if you have a chronic eustachian tube problem, you may be able to prevent ear difficulty by seeing an ear doctor for treatment recommendations prior to flying. |
Last Reviewed: May 02, 2007
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David Steward, MD Associate Professor of Otolaryngology Department of Otolaryngology College of Medicine University of Cincinnati |
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Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) 
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