Is Your Eustachian Tube Blocked or Is Mucus in Your Middle Ear?

Q: Is Your Eustachian Tube Blocked or Is Mucus in Your Middle Ear?

Hello： The common issue is still related to the Eustachian tube. <br>If it does not improve, you may go to the hospital for an evaluation using instruments. <br>Wishing you peace and health. <br>Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health an

Is the Eustachian tube blocked? Or is mucus running into the middle ear?

In the morning, I had a runny nose, and my right nostril was blocked.
As a result, when I forcefully blew my nose, it felt like something was stuck in my right ear.
Can it be determined whether my Eustachian tube is blocked, or if the mucus has moved into the middle ear? Also, I seem to be different from others; when people experience pressure in their ears while flying, they usually swallow or yawn.
I can control it by slightly holding my breath and using a tiny bit of force (a very slight effort), and I can hear a popping sound in my ear (I once had my wife press her ear against mine, and she said she could hear this sound, which she cannot do).
The important point is that I used to be able to do this with both ears, but now I can only do it with my left ear.
The hearing level in my right ear is approximately 80% less than in my left ear.
Is there a way to check this with instruments?

Peng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/05

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: The common issue is still related to the Eustachian tube.
If it does not improve, you may go to the hospital for an evaluation using instruments.
Wishing you peace and health.
Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Zheng Jue-Yi.

Reply Date: 2016/03/05

More Info

When it comes to issues related to the Eustachian tube and middle ear, it's essential to understand the anatomy and function of these structures. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat, helping to equalize pressure and drain mucus. Blockage of this tube can lead to various symptoms, including a feeling of fullness in the ear, muffled hearing, and even discomfort during activities that change pressure, such as flying or diving.

From your description, it seems that you experienced a sensation of blockage in your right ear after forcefully blowing your nose. This can happen when mucus builds up in the Eustachian tube or when there is a change in pressure that the tube cannot equalize effectively. The sound you hear when you perform a Valsalva maneuver (closing your mouth, pinching your nose, and gently blowing) indicates that you are forcing air into the Eustachian tube, which can help equalize pressure but may also push mucus into the middle ear if there is a blockage.

To determine whether your Eustachian tube is blocked or if mucus has entered the middle ear, a healthcare professional can perform several examinations. These may include:
1. Otoscopic Examination: This involves using an otoscope to look into your ear canal and assess the condition of your eardrum. If the eardrum appears bulging or retracted, it may indicate fluid in the middle ear.

2. Tympanometry: This test measures the movement of the eardrum in response to changes in air pressure. It can help determine if there is fluid in the middle ear or if the Eustachian tube is functioning properly.

3. Audiometry: Hearing tests can assess the degree of hearing loss and help differentiate between conductive hearing loss (often due to fluid or blockage) and sensorineural hearing loss.

4. Nasal Endoscopy: If necessary, a doctor may use a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside your nasal passages and assess for any obstructions or excessive mucus.

Regarding your ability to equalize pressure in your ears differently from others, this is not uncommon. Some individuals have a more pronounced ability to control their Eustachian tube function, allowing them to equalize pressure without the typical methods like swallowing or yawning. However, if you notice a significant difference in hearing between your ears, as you mentioned (80% difference), this warrants further investigation. It could indicate an underlying issue, such as Eustachian tube dysfunction, fluid in the middle ear, or even a more serious condition affecting your hearing.

In summary, if you are experiencing persistent symptoms or significant differences in hearing between your ears, it is advisable to consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can perform the necessary tests to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include decongestants, nasal steroids, or, in some cases, surgical interventions if there is a significant blockage or persistent fluid in the middle ear.

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