Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) affects millions of people around the world and, while not life-threatening, it can cause immense discomfort, pain, and associated life-changing results. The Eustachian tubes are small 1.5 “tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat and provide the only escape for fluid (mucus) generated within the ear. It also allows air pressure to balance in each side of the eardrum, which maintains correct levels and tone of what we hear. When they work properly these tubes open when we swallow or yawn and leak the fluid. When they do not work, the fluid accumulates and fills the middle ear causing deafness, pressure, pain and tinnitus.
The reasons for 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 clear up on its own, but in some cases ENT specialists will consider interventions such as aspirating fluid through the eardrum or placing an eyelet 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 from my own experience.
Open those tubes again. You need to open the Eustachian tubes as often as possible to get air into the middle ear cavity and also allow excess mucus to find its way out. When you do, you’ll hear them and feel them popping or cracking (this is good!). You can do this by swallowing forcefully or by falsely yawning, forcefully pushing your jaw forward. Use the ‘Valsalva move’, which is done by pinching your nose and blowing quite loudly with your mouth closed, filling your cheeks until both tubes open. It may take a while, but it continues. Hold them open for a few seconds, release, and then swallow. Do this 4 or 5 times a day at least.
Anti-inflammatories. I think these medications can help. A common cause of ET not working is inflammation in or around the ETs, and by reducing this, you can help things get back to normal. It’s worth a try, but keep going as it can take days to take effect.
Chewing gum. Do this as much as you can and preferably use a menthol gum. The chewing action will help the tubes open naturally and the menthol will help too.
Use steam and a lot. Using steam will help release mucus and open the tubes. Do this as often as you can. If you have access to a steam room, use this 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 warm for longer than a normal fill inhaler. As you inhale, open the yawning aliens. It is also okay to use a bowl with a towel on your head.
Heat pad. Use a hot water bottle wrapped in a thin towel and hold it tight against your ear as hot as you can take it. The heat will radiate into the middle ear and help release that stubborn mucus.
Nasal sprays. These can be helpful to start releasing your sinuses and aliens.
Sleep upright. Do not lie flat because the liquid will travel to places that will not help. Stand up as high as you can, which will naturally allow the liquid to drain. The problem ear should be higher.
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 ringing or loud hissing that often occurs 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 may be to lose yourself with the drink. This will not be productive. Now is a great 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 tell you 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 actually want these things to run off, not drying out hard deposits in the ear. This can cause the ear to produce even more mucus to shift dry deposits in what is known as a “rebound effect.” I used them initially, however, will not do it next time if this comes back as I am convinced that prolonged use of these did me more harm than good.
Nasal Irrigation – Many suggest this is helpful. The Neti pot is the most popular. I used Neilmed’s SinusRinse system which is easier than a Netipot and it seemed to help. I’d say for a small outlay it’s worth a try, especially if your sinuses are blocked too.
Beware. Eat right and make sure you get what you need to stay strong. High doses of vitamin C are considered by many to be good to help combat this. Dairy foods are believed by many to be one of the main causes of excess mucus. There is no evidence to say that it is, but to me avoiding this when your body is trying to change it is probably a sensible sacrifice. Certain food groups are believed to be inflammatory and can trigger this problem. Look at these foods and restrict inflammatory foods. Fresh garlic, ginger, and fresh pineapple are great natural decongestants. Gentle exercise can help, especially outdoors, but avoid strenuous aerobic activity, as again this creates more things that you are trying to change. Stay well hydrated by drinking your daily intake.
Devices can help. There are several devices available aimed at alleviating this problem. The Earpopper can help if you are unable to open your tubes on your own. Earpopper The Eardoc produces high-level vibrations through the ear that are claimed to open the tubes and allow fluid to drain. Eardoc Any other device that can produce vibrations in the ear can help things move.
Homeopathy. There are some natural medicines available that can help. Just search ‘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 is very easy at 3 in the morning without sleep and with an ear that seems like it is going to explode, to feel that the world is ending and that you will be doomed with this forever. You have to keep a positive attitude and believe that it will go away. Will. Virtually all cases of this will go away, unless you have a rare complication that does not allow it. If you have this for a long period of time, you need to 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 clears up and I enjoy almost normal 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 about 24 hours for mine to appear and 2 to 3 days to gradually disappear. It is a slow process. Good luck.
