Many people complain of various ailments related to Eustachian tube dysfunction, such as a feeling of clogged ears, periodic crackling sounds, popping sounds, a feeling of excessive pressure in the ears, pain or ringing. These ailments may result from impaired patency of the Eustachian tube, which normally equalizes the pressure between the outside world and the inside of the tympanic cavity.
Diagnosing Eustachian tube disorders requires performing a number of tests. Otoscopic and fiberoscopic examination of the pharyngeal opening of the Eustachian tubes is necessary. Various audiometric tests are recommended, including testing the proper function of the Eustachian tube, the so-called Williams test. Sometimes the doctor orders additional tests to conduct differential diagnosis.
Treatment of a blocked Eustachian tube begins with conservative treatment. Additionally, the patient can be ordered to regularly perform the so-called Valsalva maneuver or use appropriate balloons, which can be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription.
If this procedure does not bring results, we can use surgical treatment. Laser plastic surgery of the pharyngeal opening of the Eustachian tube (LETP – Laser Eustachian Tuboplasty) is a modern treatment using a CO2 laser. The treatment is minimally invasive, performed under general anesthesia, and improves symptoms in a significant number of patients.