Ask an Audiologist – What is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

If you have a hearing health related question that you would like answered by an experienced professional email us at askaudiologist@hearingsolutions.ca.

Ask an Audiologist…

I have a blocked Eustachian tube that I would like to have cleared. It causes me slight pain and distorts the hearing of my own voice.

Ear, Nose and Throat doctors that I have been to show little interest in fixing the problem. I have had the problem for many years, I just turned 70.

Audiologist Response…

Hello,

Thank you for submitting your question through the Hearing Solutions website.

The Eustachian tube is normally closed and only opens to equalize pressure differences between the middle ear and the outside air. For people with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, this process is, well…dysfunctional! Either it doesn’t equalize the pressure or the Eustachian tube remains open.

I agree with you that most ENTs don’t have a successful solution for this problem. Most often, a nose spray or steroid is prescribed to try to clear any fluid that may be in the middle ear.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a solution for you. I am unable to diagnose the disorder. Diagnosis is not within the scope of practice of an Audiologist. I would suggest discussing this with an Otolaryngologist.

May I also suggest you contact a naturopathic doctor to see if they have a different approach to this disorder.

Best regards,

Tracy Saunders, M.Cl.Sc., Reg. CASLPO

Tracy Saunders is a registered Audiologist with the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario. She holds a Master’s Degree in Audiology from the University of Western Ontario and an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto. Tracy is currently working as an Audiologist and Trainer at Hearing Solutions.