Eustachian-Tube Obstruction

Eustachian-tube obstruction causes negative middle-ear pressure and effusion, presenting with ear fullness, muffled hearing, and conductive hearing loss, often from rhinitis/sinusitis/adenoid hypertrophy. Treatment: treat nasal/rhinosinusitis (nasal steroids/decongestants); Valsalva/autoinflation; nasal saline; Eustachian-tube balloon dilatation or grommet insertion if persistent; adenoidectomy in children if indicated.

Common Symptoms

Ear fullness; muffled/conductive hearing loss; after URI/rhinitis; negative pressure/effusion on otoscopy

Causes and Pathogenesis

Obstruction of the Eustachian tube causes negative middle-ear pressure and effusion.

Treatment

Treat rhinitis/sinusitis; autoinflation/Valsalva; balloon dilatation/grommet if persistent

Preventive Measures

Treat rhinitis/adenoids; autoinflation.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Otolaryngology (ENT) department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.