The eustachian tube is a small tube inside the head that connects the ear to the back of the nostril. The eustachian tube can become blocked due to a cold or allergies. Severe cases require professional medical care from an ear, nose and throat specialist. However, mild to moderate cases can be treated on their own with home remedies, over-the-counter medications, and prescription drug solutions.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Home Treatment
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms
Whether caused by a cold, allergy, or infection, the swelling prevents the eustachian tube from opening and blocks airflow. As a result, the pressure changes, and, sometimes, fluid builds up in the ear. If that happens, the following symptoms will appear:
- Ear pain or ear feeling "full"
- Ringing or popping sounds and sensations that do not originate in the external environment
- Children may describe popping as a "tingling" sensation
- Hearing disorders
- Dizziness and difficulty maintaining balance
- Symptoms may become more severe if the altitude changes rapidly, for example when taking an airplane, taking an elevator, or climbing/driving in mountainous areas.
Step 2. Wiggle your lower jaw
This very simple maneuver is the first technique of the Edmonds maneuver. Extend your jaw forward, then rock it back and forth, and sideways. If the ear blockage is not severe, the movement can open the eustachian tube and restore normal airflow.
Step 3. Perform the Valsalva maneuver
This maneuver, which aims to force air through the blocked eustachian tube and restore normal airflow, should be performed with care. When trying to blow air through a blocked duct, the air pressure in the body is also affected. The sudden rush of air when you exhale can cause rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
- Take a deep breath, then hold it by closing your mouth and pinching your nose.
- Exhale through closed nostrils.
- If successful, a popping sound will be heard in the ear, and symptoms subside.
Step 4. Perform the Toynbee maneuver
Like the Valsalva maneuver, the Toynbee maneuver is designed to unblock the eustachian tube. However, instead of having the patient manipulate air pressure by breathing, the Toynbee maneuver relies on adjusting air pressure by swallowing. Here's how to perform the Toynbee maneuver:
- Pinch the nose so that the nostrils are closed.
- Sip water.
- Swallow.
- Repeat the procedure until the ear feels popping and opens again.
Step 5. Blow the balloon through the nose
It may seem and feel silly, but this action, called the Otovent maneuver, effectively balances the air pressure inside the ear. Buy "Otovent balloons" either on the internet or at a medical device store. The Otovent balloon is a regular balloon that has a nozzle that can be inserted into the nostril. If you have a nozzle that fits snugly into the balloon's opening and nostril, you can make your own Otovent balloon at home.
- Insert the nozzle into one nostril, and close the other nostril with your finger.
- Blow the balloon through the nostrils, until it is about the size of a fist.
- Repeat the procedure on the other nostril. Repeat the procedure until you hear a "popping" signaling that air is flowing again unimpeded through the eustachian tube.
Step 6. Swallow while pinching the nose, also known as the Lowery maneuver
This maneuver is a little more difficult than it sounds. Before swallowing, the air pressure in the body must be increased by straining as when defecating. When you hold your breath while pinching your nose, it's like trying to exhale through all the closed holes. Some people have difficulty swallowing in this condition due to increased air pressure in the body. However, be patient and keep trying. With enough practice, this maneuver can open ear plugs.
Step 7. Place a heating pad or warm washcloth on the ear
This method can relieve pain and blockage. The gentle heat of a warm compress can help loosen the blockage of the eustachian tube. If using a heating pad, cover it with a cloth so the skin doesn't burn.
Step 8. Use a nasal decongestant
Ear drops cannot open the blockage of the eustachian tube because the ear is blocked. Nasal sprays are effective for treating blockage of the eustachian tube because the ear is connected to the nose through the tube. Through the nostrils, direct the nasal spray toward the back of the throat, almost perpendicular to the face. Inhale vigorously as you apply the decongestant to allow the liquid to travel to the back of your throat, but do not swallow it or take it into your mouth.
Perform one of the ear pressure balancing maneuvers after using a nasal decongestant, which may make the maneuver more effective
Step 9. Take an antihistamine if the ear blockage is caused by an allergy
Although usually not the main treatment for eustachian tube blockages, antihistamines can help relieve allergy-related blockages. Discuss with your doctor to determine if this method is suitable for your condition.
Note that antihistamines are usually not recommended for people with ear infections
Method 2 of 2: Professional Medical Treatment
Step 1. Ask for a prescription nasal spray
Although over-the-counter nasal sprays can also be used to treat eustachian tube blockages, decongestants prescribed by a doctor may be more effective. If you have an allergy, ask your doctor to recommend a steroid nasal spray and/or an antihistamine to treat the problem.
Step 2. Take antibiotics if you have an ear infection
While often brief and harmless, blockage of the eustachian tube can also cause painful and dizzying ear infections. If the blockage reaches that stage, check with your doctor for a prescription for antibiotics. Antibiotics may not be prescribed unless you have a fever of 39 degrees Celsius or more for 48 hours.
Strictly follow the dosage instructions for antibiotics. Take all the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, even if the symptoms subside before the medicine wears off
Step 3. Talk to your doctor about myringotomy
In cases of severe eustachian tube blockage, your doctor may recommend surgery to restore airflow to the middle ear. There are two types of surgery, and myringotomy is the shorter one. The doctor will make a small incision in the eardrum, then suck out any fluid trapped in the middle ear. It seems counterintuitive, but the healing of the slice is actually expected to take place slowly. If the incision is open long enough, the swollen eustachian tube may shrink back to normal. If the incision heals too quickly (within 3 days), fluid can build up again in the middle ear, and symptoms persist.
Step 4. Consider installing a pressure equalization tube
This surgical method has a greater chance of success, but lasts longer. As in a myringotomy, the doctor cuts the eardrum and suctions out any fluid that has accumulated in the middle ear. Then, the doctor inserts a small tube into the eardrum that will ventilate the middle ear. As the incision in the eardrum heals, the tube will push out on its own. However, the process can take as long as 6-12 months. This method is recommended for patients with chronic Eustachian tube blockage. So, discuss it thoroughly with your doctor.
- Ears should not be exposed to water at all as long as the pressure balance pipe is still attached. Use earplugs or cotton balls when bathing, as well as special earplugs when swimming.
- If water flows through the tube into the middle ear, an ear infection can occur.
Step 5. Address the root cause
Eustachian tube blockage is usually the result of a disease that causes mucus and tissue swelling, which blocks the normal passage of air. The most common causes of mucus accumulation and tissue swelling in terms of blockage of the eustachian tube are colds, flu, sinus infections, and allergies. Do not let these diseases develop to cause inner ear disorders. Treat colds and flu as soon as possible since the first symptoms first appear. Talk to your doctor about ongoing care to treat recurring conditions such as sinus infections and allergies.
Tips
- If you know there is fluid in the ear, do not use cerumen cleaning products because they can cause infection. In addition, this is also not necessary because the blockage of the ear is in the form of fluid, not cerumen.
- Do not lie flat when you have ear pain.
- Instead of cold water, drink warm liquids such as tea.
- Try taking a few papaya tablets (chewable tablets only) in your mouth. Papain, the main ingredient of unripe papaya, is a good mucilage solvent. Centipede can also be tried.
- Support the head with an extra pillow. This will help drain fluids and relieve pain during sleep.
- To treat pain associated with blocked ears, ask your doctor to prescribe analgesic drops. Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium, can also be used to relieve pain.
- Wear a hat that covers the ears to keep the ears and head warm. This method can help drain fluid from inside the ear while staying active.
Warning
- Do not use over-the-counter nasal sprays for more than a few days as they can exacerbate, rather than relieve, the blockage. If these drugs are not effective, check with your doctor.
- Do not wash your ears with a neti pot or use ear wax. These two products have not been rated as safe by the FDA when it comes to treating blocked ears.
- Do not engage in scuba diving while having Eustachian tube pressure disorders as it can cause “ear pressure”, which is very painful, due to pressure imbalance.
