{"id":6849,"date":"2019-05-27T20:59:35","date_gmt":"2019-05-27T20:59:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=6849"},"modified":"2021-11-11T09:21:02","modified_gmt":"2021-11-11T09:21:02","slug":"14-typical-symptoms-of-eustachian-tube-dysfunction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-typical-symptoms-of-eustachian-tube-dysfunction\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Typical Symptoms of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The eustachian tube is a canal located on each side of the face that runs from the upper throat to the back of the nose to the middle ear. The tube stays closed until you chew, swallow, or yawn. When the tube becomes infected or plugged it will cause a eustachian tube dysfunction. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The eustachian tubes are important because it helps to control pressure from the ear, which drain fluid from the middle ear out to the throat where the throat gets rid of it. When the eustachian tubes are infected or plugged they can cause hearing loss. If you catch it in time, it can be treated at home. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In serious cases, you\u2019ll have to seek medical treatment. There are eight typical symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunction to look out for. The canals of the tubes are so small that it is easy for them to become plugged and infected.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Partial hearing loss or muffled hearing <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Partial hearing loss<\/a> or muffled hearing is a typical symptom to have when you have Eustachian tube dysfunction. The ears are plugged, so it\u2019ll be difficult for you to hear sounds. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lot of the times when you have partial hearing loss, you may have the urge to dig in your ears with your fingers, but that will just cause them to become more infected. The best you can do is use a home remedy for eustachian tube dysfunction to clear your ears. You can use an over-the-counter ear cleaner to see if that will improve your hearing loss. When it comes to ear cleaners, you have to let them<\/span> do their job. It won\u2019t work right away. It takes time. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your hearing will go back to normal in no time. You can also chew gum and yawn to help with your hearing loss. The more you chew and yawn, it\u2019ll help.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Popping and ticking sounds <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Popping and ticking sounds are an indication that you have Eustachian tube dysfunction. The eustachian tubes are moving around and are causing the ticking and popping sound. In order to make the ticking and popping noise to stop the eustachian tubes need to open up. In order to do that you can chew gum or suck on candy. The more you swallow it\u2019ll help the eustachian tubes<\/a> to open up more. When you suck on candy or chew gum make sure you keep your mouth closed. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another way you can open up the tubes is by pretending like you\u2019re blowing your nose. While doing this, you\u2019ll need to gently pinch your nose. Your mouth will need to be closed while you\u2019re doing this. Do this a few times to see if you notice a difference. It may not stop the popping and ticking sound immediately, but the more times you do it, it\u2019ll eventually cease.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Tenderness and pain around the ear <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tenderness <\/a>and pain around the ear occur when you have Eustachian tube dysfunction. Sometimes when you have tenderness and pain around the ear, you\u2019ll notice a sore. It\u2019ll go away once the condition heals. You\u2019ll need to leave your hands off of them are of the ear that is infected.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to ease some of the pain and tenderness, you can take some over-the-counter Ibuprofen. You don\u2019t want to take too many over-the-counter medicines at one time because it may cause temporary hearing loss. Another remedy you can use is to place a warm compress against the affected area a few times a day. If there is a sore, it should go away after a while. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you use a warm compress, don\u2019t press too hard against the ear. Just gently place the compress against the ear for a few minutes. It\u2019ll cause more pain if you are too rough.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Trouble balancing yourself <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Trouble balancing yourself is a symptom of eustachian tube dysfunction. Dizziness is common and when you get dizzy <\/a>it\u2019ll be difficult for you to balance yourself. It may be a good idea to stay home from work and\/or school when this occurs because you don\u2019t want to be somewhere where you injure yourself. You\u2019ll need to seek medical attention or use a home remedy immediately. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One treatment you can use is Ibuprofen. Only use it as it\u2019s recommended. If the home remedy doesn\u2019t work, seeking medical treatment is the only other course of treatment. The doctor will give you a stronger medication that will help with your eustachian tube dysfunction. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since you\u2019re off balance, there may be something else in addition to you having eustachian tube dysfunction that could be causing you to have this symptom. Once eustachian tube dysfunction clears up, you shouldn\u2019t have any trouble balancing yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Plugged feeling in the ears <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Plugged feeling in the ears is a typical symptom of eustachian tube dysfunction. The eustachian tubes need to open up and in order to do that, you can chew sugar-free gum and swallow. The more you swallow it\u2019ll help to open up the eustachian tubes. Yawning also helps. You\u2019ll have to force yourself to yawn. When you yawn<\/a>, you may hear a popping noise. That means that your Eustachian tubes are trying to open up. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another remedy is to blow your nose, but pinch your nose gently while keeping your mouth closed. One of these techniques should do the trick. It may not work right away, but the more times you do them, it should open the eustachian tubes. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you have plugged ears, you don\u2019t want to dig in your ears with a cotton swab or your dirty fingers. You don\u2019t want to put bacteria in your ears or even damage them.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Ears feeling like they are filled with water <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ears feeling like they are filled with water are common with eustachian tube dysfunction. Since the fluid is trapped in the ear, using a swimmer\u2019s ear solution should work. You\u2019ll need to use the swimmer\u2019s ear solution as directed on the package. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another solution is to use apple cider vinegar, water, and a dropper to place a few drops in the ears. The fluid <\/a>that\u2019s trapped in the ear should drain out. If that doesn\u2019t work, you\u2019ll need to seek medical attention. When you have a feeling of water in the ears, you don\u2019t want to put too many items in the ear. If one remedy doesn\u2019t work, wait a day or two before trying another one. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You could cause additional problems that could have a lasting effect on your hearing. As stated before, never put your fingers in your ear. A lot of the time<\/span> the eustachian tubes may open up on their own if you wait it out.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Tingling or tickling sensation <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tingling <\/a>or tickling sensation is felt when you have Eustachian tube dysfunction. The tingling or tickling sensation will cause you to dig in your ears more because it\u2019ll feel like you have a bug in your ear. You\u2019ll want to use a pen or cotton swab to get whatever it is out of your ear. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sensation will persist until it goes away. Since the sensation is persistent, you\u2019ll probably have some inflammation and pain. In order to ease the inflammation and pain, take Motrin or Ibuprofen as directed. Benadryl may work as well since you have a tingling and tickling sensation. It\u2019ll make you drowsy, so only take it when you will be at home. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tingling and tickling sensation will go away in a few days and the eustachian tubes will open. If it doesn\u2019t, then you\u2019ll need to talk with your doctor who can prescribe stronger medication or suggest other over-the-counter medicines to help with your eustachian tube dysfunction. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Ringing in the ears or tinnitus <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ringing in the ears or tinnitus <\/a>occurs when you have Eustachian tube dysfunction. The tube can cause a ringing in the ears when you have a cold because of blockage. Blowing the nose and swallowing are two ways to open the eustachian tubes. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lot of the time when there is ringing in the ears, there is an infection. The infection will need to be treated by a doctor who will prescribe antibiotics and\/or clean the ear canal. As soon as you notice you have a ringing in the ears, you should take steps to relieve yourself of the problem. If you wait too long, it can turn into something serious. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try a couple of home remedies first before seeking medical treatment. If you feel it\u2019s getting worse, talk with your doctor. There is no need to let the ringing in the ears persist for days, weeks, or even months.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Pain in One or Both Ears<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People with Eustachian <\/a>tube disorder notice that they start to develop pain in one or both ears as the condition takes hold of their physiology. The pain may limit itself to one side, but it occurs in both Eustachian tubes in most cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pain can start with mild symptoms and progress in intensity as the condition develops. Some small children that are unable to talk yet may end up crying severely at the pain in their ears, with no way to tell their parents about what they are going through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your child starts touching their ears often while crying, it’s a sign that they may have a problem with Eustachian tube disorder. Take them to the podiatrist for a checkup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The doctor will review their health, sinus, throat, and Eustachian tubes to determine the cause of the pain and the treatment required. Most children make a full recovery from the disorder without any lasting damage to their hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Symptoms are Worse at Altitude<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are suffering from the effects of Eustachian tube disorder should stay at home and get some rest to clear the infection. However, in some cases, the infected individual may have to travel. Eustachian tube disorder has a range of uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re flying, you’re going to experience a worsening of your symptoms<\/a>, especially in the moments after take-off and before landing. The blockage in the Eustachian tubes makes it hard for the vestibular system to balance itself. As a result, the affected individual may find that they experience severe pain as the cabin pressure equalizes.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The affected individual doesn’t have to go to the extreme of flying to notice the change in altitude on their condition. Something as simple as taking an elevator ride to the top of a tall building could cause pain and discomfort in the patient. Diving underwater will also increase the pressure on the Eustachian tubes, resulting in pain symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Flu-Like Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people with Eustachian tube disorder see the condition occur due to complications with a previous viral or bacterial infection. People who catch the flu develop mucus in the sinus and lungs, causing symptoms of congestion in the affected individual. These symptoms may progress as the condition worsens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mucus from the sinus can run down the throat, causing congestion and infection of the Eustachian tubes. As mucus and inflammation <\/a>build in the sinus and throat, the pathogen responsible for the condition may migrate to the Eustachian tubes, causing infection. The patient will notice the onset of Eustachian tube disorder around 254-hours after experiencing the start of the flu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you feel under the weather, you can prevent the onset of eustachian tube disorder by preparing your body for infection. Drinking plenty of fluids, taking OTC medications, and using medicinal herbs can help limit the effects of the disease, giving you an easier time handling the disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Allergic Reactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People that have allergies will typically have seasonal responses to dust and pollen concentrations in the air. These individuals experience allergy attacks when they come in contact with these allergen triggers. An allergy <\/a>attack can range in severity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people just get a runny nose, while others have to take a trip to the emergency room. Allergies can occur all year all-year-round, depending on where you live in the United States. Some plants release pollen in the summer, and some do it in the winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Cedar Fever” is the name given to people experiencing severe allergic reactions to cedar pine trees in the Northwestern United States. These trees can dup so much pollen that they cause massive allergy attacks in sensitive individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who experience allergies are at a higher risk of developing eustachian tube dysfunction. Allergies affect the sinus, throat, and respiratory system, creating distress. As a result, the affected individual may also notice the onset of eustachian tube disorder, along with their allergy symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Pain or Discomfort When Yawning or Swallowing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are dealing with the effects of Eustachian tube disorder often experience pain when swallowing or yawning. These activities place pressure on the Eustachian tubes, resulting in acute pain symptoms. Typically, the pain only arrives in severe infection, and it fades away after the infection subsides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with Eustachian tube disorder, especially kids, may complain of pain during meal times and when they wake up or go to bed. The chewing motion in eating may irritate the Eustachian tubes, causing pain. When waking up or going to bed, you’re more likely to yawn, causing pain in the Eustachian tubes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try mixing some hot water with the juice of a lemon, some ginger, cinnamon, and a tablespoon of raw honey<\/a>. Deemed “The Kelly Slater” after the surfer made the drink popular, it’s a great way to relieve inflammation and pain associated with Eustachian tube disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drink a cup of the tonic in the morning and the evening. The ingredients’ potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties will clear the infection and reduce inflammation-causing swelling and pain in the throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Risk Factors for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As with all physiological disorders, there are a set of risk factors that make some people more predisposed to developing Eustachian tube dysfunction than others. Some of the risk factors for developing the disorder include the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n