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Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a condition where the Eustachian tube (ET) fails to properly ventilate and equalize pressure between the middle ear and the nasopharynx, leading to middle ear pressure abnormalities, fluid retention, or infection.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H29571Ex-kY
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Obstructive ETD | Failure to open due to inflammation, adenoids, allergy, tumor |
| Patulous ETD | Tube remains abnormally open, causing autophony |
| Baro-challenge-induced ETD | Symptoms occur only during pressure changes (e.g., flying, diving) |
Normal Physiology of the Eustachian Tube
Etiology:
| Type | Causes |
|---|---|
| Obstructive Causes | |
| (Most Common) | • Upper respiratory tract infections |
| • Allergic rhinitis | |
| • Adenoid hypertrophy | |
| • Sinusitis | |
| • Nasopharyngeal masses (e.g., NPC, lymphoma) | |
| • ‣ (e.g., cleft palate) | |
| Patulous Causes | • Rapid weight loss |
| • Hormonal changes | |
| • Neuromuscular disorders |
| Symptom | Type |
|---|---|
| Aural fullness or pressure | Obstructive |
| Hearing loss (conductive) | Obstructive (effusion) |
| Popping or crackling sound | Obstructive |
| Autophony (hearing one’s own voice/breathing loudly) | Patulous |
| Tinnitus | Either type |
| Recurrent otitis media or otitis media with effusion | Chronic obstructive ETD |