Partial or complete blockage of the Eustachian tube can cause sensations of popping, clicking, and ear fullness and occasionally moderate to severe ear pain. A much more common problem is a failure of the Eustachian tube to effectively regulate air pressure. Patients with this rare condition are plagued by chronic ear infections. A dysfunctional Eustachian tube that is always open is called a "patulous" Eustachian tube. Normally, the nasal opening of the Eustachian tube is closed, which helps prevent the inadvertent contamination of the middle ear space by the normal secretions found in the back of the nose. If it were not for the Eustachian tube, the middle ear cavity would be an isolated air pocket inside the head that would be vulnerable to every change in air pressure and lead to unhealthy middle ear space function. Swallowing and yawning cause contractions of these muscles located in the back of the throat and help regulate Eustachian tube function. Several small muscles located in the back of the throat and palate control the opening and closing of the Eustachian tube. The secondary function of the Eustachian tube is to drain any accumulated secretions, infection, or debris from the middle ear space. The primary function of the Eustachian tube is to ventilate the middle ear space, ensuring that its pressure remains at near normal environmental air pressure. Picture of the Structures of the Inner Ear and Eustachian Tubes Sources credit Alcmaeon of Sparta as the first to describe the structure in approximately 400 BC. The Eustachian tube was named in honor of the 16th century Italian anatomist Eustachius. Several maneuvers can be done to improve Eustachian tube function. Altitude changes can cause symptoms in persons with Eustachian tube problems. Partial or complete blockage of the Eustachian tube can cause sensations of popping, clicking, and ear fullness. Normally, the Eustachian tube is closed, but it can become partially or completely blocked as a consequence of common colds or allergies. The tissue that lines the Eustachian tube is similar to that inside the nasal cavity and may respond the same way (swelling and mucous production) when presented with similar stimuli. What are the symptoms of a clogged Eustachian tube? In adults, the Eustachian tube is approximately 35 mm long (1.3 inches) and approximately 3 mm in diameter (less than 1/10 inch). The middle ear space is the hollowed out portion of the skull bone that contains the hearing apparatus and is covered on one side by the eardrum.Ĭartilage provides the supporting structure for the first two-thirds of the Eustachian tube, with the last third (the part closest to the middle ear space) being made of bone. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear space to the rear of the nose near the soft palate. The Eustachian tube originates in the rear of the nose adjacent to the soft palate, runs a slightly uphill course, and ends in the middle ear space. The main function of the Eustachian tube is to ventilate the middle ear space.
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