Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Panel Discusses Aural Fullness, Valsalva Pros and Cons

In the meantime, otolaryngologists treating dilatory ETD can consider temporary or longer-term tube insertions or devices that provide airflow into the ear. The panelists agreed that those over-the-counter devices can be more useful for children who may struggle to do a Valsalva maneuver.

For patulous ETD, Dr. Chandrasekhar suggests to patients that they discontinue nasal decongestants/steroids, hydration, and the administration of mucosal irritants to induce mucosal edema.

Balloon inflation is also an option for some patients, though its FDA approval remains narrow to date, said Dr. Slattery. “In my mind, these are the patients who are having to come in every couple of years to have a tube placed,” he said. “And so I’ll talk to these individuals about, ‘Rather than extending a tube … consider a balloon dilation.’”

Richard Quinn is a freelance medical writer based in New Jersey.