Eustachian Tube Function

The eustachian tube is a structure which is poorly understood. It connects the posterior nasopharynx with the middle ear space. Much like a spout to a coffee pot it is a narrow opening. When we are born, the opening is extremely small. The cartilage is immature and floppy. The cartilage in this area holds the tube in an appropriate shape. A child is more likely than an adult to have eustachian tube dysfunction. Normally, the tube allows fluids which lubricate the middle ear to escape. It also allows air from the back of the throat into the middle ear space. This air is necessary in order to allow your drum to move normally.

A number of known diseases can affect eustachian tube function. The most obvious disease is a malformation of the palate. Children who are born with a cleft palate are more likely to have problems with the function of the eustachian tube. Because muscles in the palate open the eustachian tube they often do not function appropriately. Even after the palate is repaired the eustachian tube may not work properly. An abnormality in the middle ear space may cause a problem with eustachian tube dysfunction. The most common of the disorders is Down's syndrome. Children born with this chromosome abnormality are known because of their friendly affect and mental retardation. Individuals who are born with other abnormalities are less well known.

The single factor which causes the greatest damage to the eustachian tube is tobacco smoke. Tobacco smoke is known to cause dysfunction to cilia in the middle ear and throat. The cilia normally clear the mucus away from this area. When they are paralyzed by tobacco smoke, they cannot clear the secretions. The buildup of secretions allow the middle ear to collect an abnormal amount of fluid. Because the throat is not sterile, the infected material can enter the eustachian tube and cause middle ear infections.

Many patients who also experience other forms of allergy, or generalized illness may experience eustachian tube dysfunction. Some individuals may be debilitating by their symptoms. Eustachian tube dysfunction can lead to ear pain, hearing loss and in some cases more severe forms of ear disease.

Patients who experience difficulty with their hearing or ear pain may be told that they have eustachian tube dysfunction. It is important to have a hearing test and a tympanogram. The idea of the tympanogram is to show normal ear from movement. Eustachian tube dysfunction will always cause abnormalities in the ear drum movement. Individuals who have a history of eustachian tube dysfunction should see an ear specialist.