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Obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction may heal on its own. If it doesn’t, you may need treatment to fix the problem. We provide a range of medication and surgical treatment options. Our specialists work with you to find the right approach for you or your child.
- Specialized expertise: You'll see providers at a world-renowned Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) center. We diagnose all types of ear conditions and know how to successfully treat them.
- Groundbreaking treatments: We offer advanced treatments for obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction that require in-depth knowledge and surgical expertise.
- A collaborative team: Our ENT, hearing, and balance specialists work together to provide compassionate care that prioritizes your needs.
- Clinical trials: Our active research efforts provide eligible patients with early access to promising therapies available only at Stanford Health Care.
- Ease of access: You can find providers, treatment, and support services at convenient locations across the Bay Area. We make it simple to get the care you need—anywhere and anytime.
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Interested in an Online Second Opinion?
The Stanford Medicine Online Second Opinion program offers you easy access to our world-class doctors. It’s all done remotely, and you don’t have to visit our hospital or one of our clinics for this service. You don’t even need to leave home!
Visit our online second opinion page to learn more.
Types of Treatment for Obstructive Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Your care includes a treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis and needs. Since obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction often gets better on its own, we may recommend a watch-and-wait approach. If you have a more severe case, medications or surgery may help. Our specialists are with you at every step to help relieve your symptoms and restore your hearing.
You may not need treatment right away or at all. With active surveillance, also called watchful waiting, we’ll keep a close eye on your condition and intervene if your symptoms don’t improve or if they return or worsen.
While you wait, we may recommend strategies to help you feel better, such as:
- Chewing gum
- Plugging your nose and mouth and blowing out
- Quitting smoking
- Swallowing (for young children, try feeding them or giving them a pacifier)
- Yawning
For blocked Eustachian tubes, your doctor may prescribe medication to treat an underlying condition, such as allergies, GERD, or an upper respiratory infection. Corticosteroids can also help reduce swelling and inflammation.
You may need surgery if you have persistent obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction. Your doctor may recommend:
- Adenoidectomy: This procedure removes enlarged adenoids that may be pressing on your Eustachian tube.
- Eustachian tube balloon dilation: This new type of surgery uses a balloon to open a blocked Eustachian tube. You will receive general anesthesia to put you to sleep during the procedure. The surgeon inserts a thin tube (endoscope) into your nose, through your nasal passages, and into the Eustachian tube. They pass a small balloon through the endoscope and inflate the balloon to expand the tissue.
- Myringotomy: In this procedure, your doctor makes a small incision in your eardrum to drain excess fluid.
- Tympanostomy: During this procedure, your doctor makes a small incision in your eardrum and inserts an ear tube across the eardrum. The tube creates a temporary hole in your eardrum that allows fluid to drain and prevents a buildup of pressure.
Conductive hearing loss is a rare complication of obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction. It occurs from damage to your eardrum or middle ear. In many cases, conductive hearing loss gets better on its own.
We offer hearing aids as a temporary or permanent treatment. You can choose from multiple types of hearing aids that work by amplifying the sound around you. Our specialists help you select the type, fit, and settings that work best for you.
When external hearing aids don’t work well enough to improve hearing loss, our skilled surgeons can implant a hearing device. Bone conduction hearing aids, which help transmit vibrations to your inner ear, are an implant option for people with conductive hearing loss.
Chronic obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction may cause balance problems. You have access to the Stanford Balance Center if you experience this side effect. After a complete evaluation of your symptoms, we develop a treatment plan to improve your balance. Our team combines the expertise of otologists (ENT specialists), neurologists, rehabilitation medicine specialists, and orthopaedists.
To request an appointment with an ear care specialist, call 650-723-5281.