Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) affects millions of people worldwide, and while not life-threatening, it can cause significant discomfort, pain, and associated life changes. The Eustachian tubes are small 1.5″ tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat and provide the only outlet for fluid (mucus) generated inside the ear. It also allows air pressure to balance at each side of the eardrum, which maintains correct levels and pitch of what we hear.When they are working properly, these tubes open when we swallow or yawn and allow fluid to escape.When they are not working, fluid will build up and fill the middle ear causing deafness, pressure, pain and tinnitus.
The reasons for the dysfunction can be many, including a virus, infection, inflammation, or some other physical cause, for example a blockage of some kind. Symptoms can last for days, weeks, and months. In most cases, it will go away on its own, but in some cases, otolaryngologists will consider interventions such as suctioning the fluid out through the eardrum or placing a grommet to allow air to pass through. Short term self help measures can help and below is a guide to some of the actions that can help based on my own experience.
Open those tubes again. You need to open the Eustachian tubes as often as possible in order to get air into the middle ear cavity, and also allow excess mucus to find a way out. When you do, you’ll hear and feel them pop or crackle (this is good!). You can do this by swallowing or falsely yawning, forcefully pushing your jaw forward. Use the ‘Valsalva movement’, which is done by pinching your nose and blowing fairly hard with your mouth closed, filling your cheeks until both airways open. It may take a while, but keep going. Hold open for a few seconds, release, then swallow. Do this 4 or 5 times a day at least.
Anti-inflammatory. I think these medicines can help. A common cause of the ET not working is inflammation in or around the ET and by reducing this you can help get things back on track. It’s worth a try, but keep going as it can take days to work.
chewing gum. Do this as much as you can and preferably use a menthol gum. The chewing action will help the tubes to open naturally and the menthol will help as well.
Use steam and lots of it. The use of steam will help loosen the mucus and open the tubes. Do this as often as you can. If you have access to a steam room, use it and sit there for an hour. Using Olbas oil with a steamer is very good. A facial sauna machine is a good substitute, as it will keep the steam hot for longer than a regular inhaler. As you inhale, open your ETs by yawning. Wearing a bowl with a towel over your head is fine too.
heat pad. Use a hot water bottle wrapped in a thin towel and hold it against your ear as hot as you can handle it. The heat will radiate to the middle ear and help to release that stubborn mucus.
nasal sprays. These can be helpful to begin to free up the sinuses and ETs.
sleep upright Do not lie down because the fluid will move to places that will not help. Support yourself as high up as you can, which will naturally allow the fluid to drain. The problem ear should be higher up.
Use a distraction to relieve tinnitus. If you need to spend the night sitting in front of the TV to fall asleep, do whatever it takes. Relaxing music through headphones can work, as can ‘white noise’, which can cancel out the loud ringing or hissing often experienced with this. You can download these files or purchase them. Experiment with various shades as some will work and some will not. Try this site http://www.simplynoise.com/.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine. These are stimulating and will improve any tinnitus you have. The temptation can be to lose yourself with the drink. This will not be productive. Now is a good time to try herbal and green teas. Drink other warm liquids, such as fruit juices diluted with honey, which can act as natural decongestants and help keep your body hydrated.
Decongestants, you decide? The jury is out on these. Some tips will say to use them. My doctor said that treatments like Sudafed are a complete waste of time to deal with this. Yes, they can dry out mucus, but don’t forget that we really want these things to rush away, not dry up to hard deposits in the ear. This can cause the ear to produce even more mucus to displace the dry deposits in what is known as the ‘rebound effect’. I used these initially however will not next time if this comes back as I am convinced prolonged use of these did more harm than good.
Nasal Irrigation – Many will suggest this is helpful. The Neti pot is the most popular. I used Neilmed’s SinusRinse system which is easier than a Netipot and seemed to help. I’d say for a small outlay it’s worth a try, especially if your sinuses are blocked as well.
Take care of yourself. Eat right and make sure you are getting what you need to stay strong. A high dose of vitamin C is considered by many to be good to help combat this. Dairy products are thought by many to be one of the main causes of excess mucus. There is no evidence to say that it is, but for me avoiding this when your body is trying to change is probably a sensible sacrifice to make. Certain food groups are thought to be inflammatory, which may be triggering this problem. Watch these foods and limit inflammatory foods. Fresh garlic, ginger, and fresh pineapple are excellent natural decongestants. Gentle exercise can help, particularly outdoors, but avoid strenuous aerobic activity as this creates more of what you are trying to change. Stay well hydrated by drinking your daily intake.
Devices can help. There are a number of devices available intended to alleviate this problem. The Earpopper can help if you cannot open your tubes yourself. Earpopper The Eardoc produces high-level vibrations through the ear which, it is claimed, will open the tubes and allow fluid to drain. Eardoc Any other device that can produce vibrations in the ear can help get things moving.
Homeopathy. There are some natural medicines available that can help. Just search for ‘Homeopathic for Ear Problems’ to see what is recommended. Kali Bich is believed to be particularly effective in helping with ear, nose and throat disorders. Echinacea is also worth considering.
Think positive. It’s so easy at 3am with no sleep and an ear that feels like it’s going to explode, to feel like the world is ending and you’ll be cursed with it forever. You have to stay positive and believe that you will go. Going to. Virtually all cases of this will go away, unless you have some rare complication that doesn’t allow it. If you have this for a long period of time, you should upset your doctor and demand to see a specialist. This is because he/she is the only person who can see if there is an underlying cause that needs further action. Medical interventions are limited to remedy this and the exact causes of this disease are still unknown. As a last resort, grommets can be installed in the eardrum, but for many reasons this must be carefully considered. My ETD problem comes and goes. I have 3-4 days of discomfort and little sleep, then it gradually goes away and I enjoy almost normality for a week or more, before it returns. Others have only a few days of suffering, while others have a much longer period of trouble. Don’t expect any treatment to instantly fix the problem. It will not. It takes mine about 24 hours to come on and 2-3 days to fade out. It is a slow process. Good luck.