If you have been living with ear pain for a long time, and over-the-counter remedies have offered little long-term relief, you may have accepted Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) as your particular burden to shoulder.
You are not alone if this is the case.
Of the 7.3 million Americans who suffer from ETD, only a fraction of them seek treatment for their pain. Most often ETD arises when allergies or a cold cause eustachian tubes—the small canals connecting your ears to the back of your throat—to become clogged or swollen, causing feelings of fullness and pain, and even compromising hearing. Left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and become chronic.
When your pain persists even after you’ve attempted to address it with antihistamines, decongestants, or even ear tubes, it can be tempting to adopt a grin-and-bear-it approach to living despite your ETD. In the end, however, you need a different strategy—one that requires less of you and offers more relief than other treatments you have tried.
Eustachian tube balloon dilation is a safe, highly effective procedure performed under local anesthesia that addresses ETD by introducing a small balloon into your nose and guiding it into your eustachian tubes. Once inside, it inflates, opening up your clogged tubes and providing long-lasting relief. The balloon is then removed, and you are free to resume everyday activities—although you may be asked to refrain from vigorous physical activity for a specified time afterward.
If the name of this safe, highly effective procedure conjures up childhood memories of helium-filled balloons floating away at birthday parties, it’s not such a stretch to imagine these balloons carrying your ear pain away.
At Ashland ENT, this is what we want patients like you to experience. Ear pain does not need to be your burden to shoulder—it can be something you set free like a balloon at a birthday party.
If all of this gives you hope, but you’re not sure if eustachian tube balloon dilation is right for you, fill out this assessment. If you are ready to set up an appointment for this exciting procedure, reach out to us today!
Once your appointment is scheduled, read all about what you can expect to experience before, during, and after the procedure. On the day of your appointment, please bring your completed assessment. We’re committed to helping you feel comfortable throughout the experience—and excited to set you free from ear pain!
