Summary
Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) may involve inadequate opening, impaired pressure equalisation during barometric change, or failure to close. Distinguish obstructive from patulous disease before treatment. Fullness or popping alone is not diagnostic.
Patulous Eustachian tube commonly causes autophony or aerophony, worse upright/exercising and better supine.
ETD symptoms persisting over 3 months are classified as chronic. Assess hearing and middle-ear do not assume every effusion, retraction or blocked-ear sensation is caused solely by ETD.
More detail
The tube ventilates/equalises middle-ear pressure, clears secretions and limits nasopharyngeal reflux of sound, organisms and fluid.