Blocked Eustachian Tubes – Health Information Library | PeaceHealth Skip to main content Go Go Eustachian tubes Middle ear Tubes for ear infections Nasal Sinus Cavities Blocked Eustachian Tubes Condition Basics What are blocked eustachian tubes The eustachian (say "you-STAY-shee-un") tubes connect the middle ears to the back of the throat. The tubes help the ears drain fluid. They also keep air pressure in the ears at the right level. When you swallow or yawn, the tubes open briefly to let air in to make the pressure in the middle ears equal to the pressure outside of the ears. Sometimes fluid or negative pressure gets stuck in the middle ear. The pressure outside the ear gets too high. This blockage causes ear pain and sometimes trouble hearing. What causes them Swelling from a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection can keep the eustachian tubes from opening. This leads to pressure changes. Fluid may collect in the middle ear. The pressure and fluid can cause pain. You also can have ear pain from changes in pressure while you are flying in an airplane, driving up or down mountains, or scuba diving. Fluid in the ear can lead to an infection (acute otitis media). Young children have a high risk of ear infections, because their eustachian tubes are shorter and more easily blocked than the tubes in older children and adults. What are the symptoms Blocked eustachian tubes can cause several symptoms. For example, your ears may hurt or feel full. You may have ringing or popping noises in your ears. Or you may have hearing problems or feel a little dizzy. How are they diagnosed Your doctor will ask about your symptoms. Your doctor will look in your ears. The doctor also may check how well you hear. How are blocked eustachian tubes treated Blocked eustachian tubes often get better on their own. For adults, decongestants that you take by mouth or spray into your nose may be helpful. If you have allergies, the doctor may prescribe a steroid medicine that you spray into your nose. Follow the instructions carefully. If you have an ear infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics. In some cases, people need surgery for a blocked eustachian tube. The doctor makes a small cut in the eardrum to drain fluid and to make the pressure the same inside and outside the ear. Sometimes the doctor will put a small tube in the eardrum. The tube usually will fall out over time. How can you prevent them If you have allergies, talk to your doctor about how to treat them so your sinuses stay clear and your eustachian tubes stay open. When you're in an airplane, you can chew gum, yawn, or drink liquids during takeoff and landing. Try the exercise where you gently blow while holding your nose shut. Related Information Ear Infections Travel Health Credits Current as of: May 4, 2022 Author: Healthwise StaffMedical Review: Susan C. Kim MD - PediatricsE. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal MedicineKathleen Romito MD - Family MedicineCharles M. Myer III MD - Otolaryngology Top of the page Next Section: Related Information Previous Section: Condition Basics Top of the page Next Section: Credits Previous Section: Related Information Top of the page Current as of: May 4, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review:Susan C. Kim MD - Pediatrics & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Charles M. Myer III MD - Otolaryngology Topic Contents Condition Basics Related Information Credits PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization. Health Information Library This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2022 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. © 2022 PeaceHealth. All rights reserved.