Understanding Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD): causes, symptoms & relief

Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a common middle ear condition that can cause feelings of pressure, fullness, or muffled hearing. It happens when the Eustachian tubes - small passageways that connect the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat - become blocked, swollen, or unable to open properly.

At Leightons, we understand that blocked or pressured ears can feel uncomfortable and frustrating. The good news is that ETD is often temporary and treatable. Our expert audiologists can help identify the cause of your symptoms and ensure your ears are healthy, providing peace of mind and clear guidance on next steps.

What is Eustachian tube dysfunction?

The Eustachian tube plays an important role in keeping your ears balanced. It helps to:

· Equalise air pressure between your middle ear and the environment.

· Drain fluid from the middle ear into the back of your throat.

When the tube becomes blocked or inflamed, it can trap air and fluid inside the middle ear, preventing the eardrum from moving freely. This pressure imbalance can cause your ears to feel blocked, full, or under pressure. ETD can affect one or both ears and is more common after colds, sinus infections, or allergies.

What causes Eustachian tube dysfunction?

Several factors can cause or contribute to ETD, including:

· Colds, flu, or sinus infections that cause swelling in the nasal passages.

· Allergies leading to inflammation or excess mucus production.

· Rapid air pressure changes, such as during flying, diving, or mountain travel.

· Nasal congestion or blocked sinuses.

· Smoking or exposure to irritants, which can inflame the tube lining.

· Anatomy and age - children have shorter, narrower Eustachian tubes, which can block more easily.

Most cases of ETD improve once the underlying cause is treated, but persistent cases may need further investigation to rule out infection or chronic inflammation.

Common symptoms of ETD

Symptoms of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction can vary in intensity but often include:

· Muffled or reduced hearing

· A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear

· Clicking, popping, or crackling sounds when swallowing or yawning

· Ear pain or mild discomfort

· Dizziness or mild imbalance

· Temporary hearing loss after altitude changes or a cold

These symptoms can come and go or persist for several days or weeks. If you experience ongoing ear pressure or discomfort, it’s best to have your ears checked by a professional.

How is Eustachian tube dysfunction treated?

For many people, ETD clears up naturally as congestion or inflammation improves. However, there are several simple steps you can take to help relieve the pressure and promote recovery:

· Swallow, yawn, or chew gum to help the tubes open and balance air pressure.

· Use a saline nasal spray or decongestant (if suitable for you) to ease nasal congestion.

· Manage allergies with antihistamines or allergy sprays recommended by your GP or pharmacist.

· Avoid sudden altitude changes (such as flying) if you have a cold or sinus infection.

If symptoms persist or you experience hearing changes, pain, or dizziness, it’s important to seek professional advice. A simple ear health check can rule out other issues such as wax build-up, infection, or fluid behind the eardrum.

How Leightons can help

At Leightons, we offer ear health checks and hearing assessments to help you understand what might be causing your symptoms. Our audiologists can safely examine your ears, check for wax, infection, or middle ear issues, and refer you to an ENT specialist if further treatment is needed.

We’re here to help you feel comfortable, protect your hearing, and restore balance to your ear health.

Book your ear health check today and take the first step towards clearer, more comfortable hearing.

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Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Mastoiditis is a rare but serious ear infection that affects the mastoid bone, which sits just behind the ear. It usually develops when a middle ear infection (otitis media) spreads to the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and fluid build-up. Although it sounds alarming, mastoiditis can be successfully treated with prompt medical care. At Leightons, we understand that ear pain and swelling can be worrying. Our audiologists are here to check your ear health, explain what’s happening, and help guide you to the right care if an infection is suspected. What is mastoiditis? The mastoid bone is part of your skull and contains small air-filled spaces that help drain the middle ear. When bacteria from an untreated or severe ear infection spread to this bone, it can become inflamed and filled with infected fluid. This condition is known as mastoiditis. If not treated quickly, the infection can cause pain, swelling, and in some cases, damage to nearby structures - which is why early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential. What causes mastoiditis? Mastoiditis most often develops as a complication of a middle ear infection that hasn’t fully cleared. When bacteria remain trapped in the middle ear, they can spread into the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and infection. Common causes and contributing factors include: Untreated or chronic ear infections Bacterial infection spreading from the middle ear Recurrent infections weakening ear tissues Poor ear drainage due to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Mastoiditis can occur at any age but is more common in children, as their ear structures are still developing. Common symptoms of mastoiditis Mastoiditis symptoms can appear suddenly and may follow an ear infection that hasn’t fully resolved. Common signs include: Severe, persistent ear pain Swelling or redness behind the ear Ear discharge (sometimes thick or pus-like) Fever and feeling unwell Hearing loss in the affected ear Headache or dizziness In some cases, the ear may appear pushed forward due to swelling behind it. Because mastoiditis can worsen quickly, it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice these symptoms. How is mastoiditis diagnosed? A GP or ENT specialist can diagnose mastoiditis by examining the ear and checking for inflammation, swelling, or discharge. Tests may include: Otoscopy: Looking inside the ear to assess infection Hearing test (audiogram): Checking if hearing has been affected CT scan: To confirm if the infection has spread to the mastoid bone Blood tests: To detect signs of infection Early diagnosis allows for quicker treatment and prevents complications. Treatment for mastoiditis Treatment aims to remove the infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent further spread. Depending on the severity, this may involve: Antibiotics: Usually given intravenously (via a drip) to control the infection Ear drainage: A small procedure to remove infected fluid or pus Surgery (mastoidectomy): In more serious cases, part of the infected bone may be removed to stop the infection from spreading With prompt treatment, most people recover fully and experience no long-term hearing damage. Preventing mastoiditis The best way to prevent mastoiditis is by treating ear infections early and avoiding irritation to the ear canal. Simple steps include: Seek medical advice for any ear infection that lasts more than a few days Avoid inserting objects like cotton buds into your ears Keep ears dry and clean, especially after swimming Attend regular ear health checks to monitor your ear condition if you’re prone to infections By managing ear health proactively, you can reduce the risk of complications like mastoiditis. How Leightons can help At Leightons, we provide ear health checks and free hearing assessments to help identify infections early and support your recovery after treatment. Our audiologists can: Examine your ears safely for signs of infection or inflammation Carry out hearing tests to check for any hearing changes Refer you to an ENT specialist for medical treatment if necessary Offer aftercare and follow-up checks to monitor your ear health after recovery We’re here to help you understand your symptoms, protect your hearing, and feel confident in your ear health. Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step toward clearer, healthier hearing.
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