Eustachian Tube Dilation

Eustachian tube dilation is a minimally invasive treatment for people with chronic eustachian tube dysfunction, a condition that causes ear pressure and pain, and hearing loss. Raymond L. Yung, MD, PC, is a state-of-the-art ear, nose, and throat practice with offices in Lower Manhattan in New York City, the Sunset Park neighborhood in Brooklyn, and the Flushing neighborhood in Queens, New York. Raymond Yung, MD, and the other board-certified otolaryngologists perform eustachian tube dilation at the office. Call or schedule a consultation with an otolaryngologist online today. Walk-ins are also welcome for consults.

What is eustachian tube dilation?

Eustachian tube dilation is a minimally invasive treatment for eustachian tube dysfunction. 

The eustachian tube helps maintain middle ear pressure and supports the drainage of fluid from the ear to the throat behind the nose. The “pop” you experience when flying or going underwater is the eustachian tube adjusting to the change in outside pressure. 

Eustachian tube dysfunction occurs when you have inflammation or blockage in the tube that prevents fluid draining. When fluid builds up in an eustachian tube, you develop ear pain and pressure, and hearing loss.

You can develop chronic (recurring) eustachian tube dysfunction if you have allergies or frequent cold or sinus infections. 

Am I a candidate for eustachian tube dilation?

Your otolaryngologist at Raymond L. Yung, MD, PC, determines if you’re a candidate for eustachian tube dilation after a consultation. If you have chronic eustachian tube dysfunction, they may consider you a candidate for this procedure.

During your initial consultation, your provider performs a thorough evaluation, including a nasal endoscopy (uses a thin tube with a light and camera) to look at your nasal passages and sinuses and rule out other conditions that might explain your symptoms. 

Previously, frequent placement of ear tubes was the primary treatment for eustachian tube dysfunction. The dilation procedure is less invasive and is a more long-term solution. 

What happens during eustachian tube dilation?

Your provider at Raymond L. Yung, MD, PC, reviews the details of your eustachian tube dilation at your consultation so you know what to expect. The otolaryngologist may perform this procedure at the office using local anesthesia or at a surgical center using general anesthesia.

Your provider inserts an endoscope into your nose and advances a thin catheter with a balloon attached until it reaches the opening of the eustachian tube in the back of your nose. 

Your provider inserts the balloon in the eustachian tube and slowly inflates it. They keep the inflated balloon in place for about two minutes, deflate it, and remove it.

What happens after eustachian tube dilation?

Though results vary, many people report improvements in symptoms and hearing following eustachian tube dilation. There’s no pain from the procedure, and you can resume your usual activities within a day.

To learn more about eustachian tube dilation at Raymond L. Yung, MD, PC, call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.