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Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Roland W. Newman II, DO Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

The Eustachian Tube (ET), also known as the auditory or pharyngotympanic tube connects the posterior nasopharynx to the middle ear. The proximal two-thirds of the ET is composed of cartilage, w...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Symptoms of ear pain, fullness, “plugging,” hearing loss, tinnitus, popping or snapping noises, and vertigo

    • Unilateral or bilateral. Evaluate adults with persistent unilateral symptoms...

TREATMENT

  • Due to limited high-quality evidence, it is difficult to recommend any one treatment option/intervention as superior .

  • Use of a “nasal balloon” shown effective for clearing OM with effusion; ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Monitor pressure equalization tubes every 6 to 8 months in children and every 6 to 12 months in adults.

  • Monitor tympanic membrane retraction pocket for progression...

REFERENCES

1
Hamrang-Yousefi S, Ng J, Andaloro C. Eustachian tube dysfunction. [Updated 2023 Feb 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: ...

SEE ALSO

Algorithm: Ear Pain/Otalgia 

CODES

ICD10

  • H69.90 Unspecified Eustachian tube disorder, unspecified ear

  • H69.00 Patulous Eustachian tube, unspecified ear

  • H68.109 Unspecified obstruction of Eustachian tube, unspecified ear

  • H69.80 Oth dis...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • ETD can be acute or chronic. Treatment is based on the underlying etiology.

  • Rule out SSNHL (medical emergency), which can be misdiagnosed as ETD, especially in patients with unilateral ...

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