The eustachian tube balloon dilation is a procedure available at Shannon
to help patients with ear pressurization problems, or the feeling that
you are in a barrel and everything you hear is muffled.
The eustachian tubes, which connect each inner ear to the back of the throat
behind your nasal passages, are responsible for ventilation and equalization
of pressure on each side of the eardrum. The tubes also drain fluids and
debris from the middle ear. Inflammation and mucus buildup can cause blockage
and obstruct proper drainage, causing fluid to accumulate in the middle ear.
This is a constant problem for some people, especially those in our area
who experience sinus and allergy issues. Other sinus and allergy symptoms
can be controlled well. We can fix the sinuses by opening them with balloon
sinuplasty and allergies can be controlled with shots, but there are still
problems with the eustachian tubes and the feeling of the ears not popping
persists. Other people also experience excruciating pain during activities
that place strain on the tubes, such as flying. The pressure can cause
the eardrum to burst.
In children, eustachian tube issues are often corrected on the outside
of the ear with the placement of ear tubes. This option is available for
adults, but only 50 percent see improvement in their symptoms.
How Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation Works
The eustachian tube balloon dilation procedure allows the tubes to be opened
up from the inside. During the procedure, which is performed in the office
setting, an endoscope is inserted through the nose into the tube opening.
A curved catheter guides the balloon into the tube. A safety mechanism
keeps the device from traveling into the eardrum. The balloon is inflated,
and the tube is held open for three minutes. This pushes the cartilage
open and causes tiny fractures in the surrounding cartilage and small
bones in the area. This process forces the tube to remodel into an open
position rather than reverting to closed.
The eustachian tube procedure will be offered in conjunction with balloon
sinuplasty, a similar procedure which opens the sinus passages via a balloon
catheter, for patients who experience chronic ear pressure along with
their sinus symptoms. These two procedures combined only take half an
hour to complete.
Eustachian tube relief has been a subject of research for decades. This
new procedure changes the game for patients who have not responded to
other medical therapies. We are proud to be the first to offer this procedure
in West Texas to provide relief and quality of life for patients with
this chronic issue.
If you believe you may benefit from this procedure, call Shannon at
325.747.2283 to schedule a diagnostic appointment.
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