Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) arises when the Eustachian tube (a small canal that connects the middle ear to the throat and nose) fails to open correctly or becomes obstructed. This most commonly occurs after a virus, altitude changes or in someone with allergies. This can lead to sensations of fullness or blockage in the ear, ear pain, and hearing challenges.
Symptoms include:
- Ear pain
- Sensation of fullness in the ear
- Popping or clicking noises in the ear
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Hearing difficulties
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Balance issues
These symptoms typically resolve on their own, but you can try certain exercises to expedite the process.
Valsalva Maneuver
How to perform it: Pinch your nose and gently exhale air through your throat into the Eustachian tubes. The key is to apply the right amount of pressure, similar to inflating a large balloon, but not excessively. Limit each blow to no more than two seconds.
Purpose: This technique actively opens the Eustachian tubes by increasing air pressure.
Otovent
Consider using the Otovent (www.gluear.co.uk), an autoinflation kit designed to assist with Eustachian tube dysfunction. It features a nozzle and balloon that you inflate using your nose. This helps you learn the appropriate pressure needed to open your tubes and gradually 'trains' your ears to open more easily, enhancing the effectiveness of these exercises.
Toynbee Maneuver
How to perform it: Pinch your nose and swallow a mouthful of water simultaneously.
Purpose: Swallowing engages the throat and soft palate muscles to open the tubes, while your tongue compresses air against them.
Lowry Technique
How to perform it: Combine the Valsalva and Toynbee techniques: Hold water in your mouth, inhale deeply through your nose, pinch your nose, and blow against it while swallowing the water.
Purpose: This method opens the tubes while forcing air into them to ensure they remain open.
Otovent Lowry
How to perform it: Similar to the Lowry technique, but use the Otovent balloon instead of pinching your nose. Hold water in your mouth, inhale deeply through your nose, close one nostril, and inflate the balloon with the other nostril. While the balloon is inflated, swallow the water, wait five seconds, and then remove the balloon.
Purpose: This technique opens the tubes while forcing air into them, with the water being swallowed as the balloon creates extra pressure behind the nose, enhancing the chances of opening the Eustachian tube.
Voluntary Tubal Opening
How to perform it: Contract the muscles in your soft palate and throat while pushing your jaw forward and down, similar to yawning with your mouth closed.
Purpose: Tensing and stretching these muscles help open the Eustachian tubes.
Head Tilting/Jaw Wriggling
How to perform it: While using other equalising techniques, tilt your head or move your jaw side to side. Stretching one side may make it easier to clear. Some find it helpful to look up or jut their jaw forward.
Purpose: Tilting the head and moving the jaw stretches the folds around the Eustachian tubes, facilitating their opening.
Frenzel Maneuver
How to perform it: Hold your nose and forcefully press your tongue against the back of your throat while making a "K" or "ng" sound.
Purpose: This contracts the throat muscles to open the tubes while compressing air against them with the tongue.
Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation systems like NeilMed Sinus Rinse (www.neilmed.com) or saline sprays like Sterimar (www.sterimarnasal.co.uk) help reduce sticky mucus, wash away irritants, and stimulate the cilia in your nose to keep passages clear. Many report improvement after nasal irrigation, which doesn't sting and leaves you feeling better. The NeilMed bottle is useful for homemade nasal irrigation, which can be sterilised between uses. You can make your own solution with 1 pint of cooled boiled water, 1 tsp of table salt, and 1 tsp of bicarbonate of soda.
Additional Tips:
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can lead to thick mucus. Drinking enough water to keep your urine clear helps thin mucus, aiding Eustachian tube function.
- Quit Smoking: Tobacco smoke irritates the lining of the lungs and throat, increasing mucus production. Quitting can help clear your lungs and ears.
- Avoid Dairy: Milk and dairy products may increase mucus production.
- Avoid Additives: Foods that trigger migraines, like red wine, chocolate, aged cheeses, and those with MSG or nitrites, can also cause congestion and ear clearing issues.