What is Eustachian Tuboplasty?
Verified by Dr. Harshad Nikte – Consultant ENT, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai.
What is an eustachian tube?
The Eustachian tube, a narrow passage connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat, plays a crucial role in maintaining pressure balance and draining fluid from the middle ear cavity. When this delicate tube becomes blocked or malfunctions, fluid can build up, leading to a range of symptoms including:
- Hearing loss, muffled sounds, or a feeling of fullness in the ear
- Tinnitus, a persistent ringing or buzzing sound
- Earache or discomfort
- Vertigo or dizziness
Chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction can have various causes, from recurrent infections and allergies to structural abnormalities or tumors. When conservative treatments like decongestants, antihistamines, or nasal steroids fail to provide relief, Eustachian tuboplasty may be recommended.
What is an eustachian tuboplasty procedure?
Eustachian tuboplasty is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the function of the Eustachian tube.
Balloon tuboplasty: This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a tiny balloon into the Eustachian tube through the nose. The balloon is then inflated to widen the tube and improve drainage. This is a newer procedure often performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia.
Following the procedure, patients may experience some temporary discomfort or drainage, but recovery is usually quick and uneventful. Most individuals notice a significant improvement in hearing within a few weeks, although complete results may take up to three months.
Eustachian tuboplasty offers a safe and effective solution for chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction, restoring hearing clarity and alleviating associated symptoms. However, it’s important to note that the success rate can vary depending on the underlying cause of the dysfunction and the chosen technique. Consulting an experienced ENT specialist can help determine if this procedure is the right option for you.
To date more than 59 individuals have benefitted from Eustachian Tuboplasty procedure at Apollo Hospitals under the expertise of Dr. Harshad Nikte – Consultant ENT, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai.
Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.Keywords: Hearing loss; fullness in the ear; Tinnitus; Earache; Vertigo; dizziness; Eustachian tuboplasty; Dr. Harshad Nikte; ENT specialist; drainage