EUSTACHIAN TUBE DYSFUNCTION

EUSTACHIAN TUBE DYSFUNCTION

Normal Eustachian tube function is essential for the well being of the middle ear cleft as it maintains the equilibrium between middle era pressure and the atmosphere. Any obstruction of air from the middle ear with consequent retraction of the drum as a result of a higher atmosphere pressure. Eustachian tube function is characterized by a middle ear pressure of less than 100 m HZ0. Patient with mild hearing loss and feeling of pressure in the ear. If the process continue and the tube does not reopen then a serous exudates occurs which is associated with a more severe hearing loss, discomfort in the ear, occasionally tinnitus and in some patient dizziness. Throat infection may be transmitted by the tube to the middle ear causing otitis media. This is more common in children because their tube is shorter and straighter and has an exuberance of lymphoid tissues in throat.