Dr. Sarah Lundstrom was recently featured on Healthy Hearing discussing “What is eustachian tube dysfunction?”. Read the full article and hear Dr. Lundstrom’s thoughts via the link below.

“The eustachian tube connects your middle ear to your throat. Its chief job is to equalize ear pressure, but it also allows fluid to drain from the middle ear, which is important if you have a cold. 

When the eustachian tube doesn’t open or close properly, it’s known as eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). 

This can lead to ear pressure, pain, or hearing problems. ETD is a fairly common problem, especially among kids.”

Here’s what Dr. Lundstrom had to say on the topic of ETD:

“Most cases of ETD will go away without medical treatment. ‘Usually once the cause of the ETD resolves (ex. the plane lands) the pressure can release,” according to Dr. Sarah Lundstrom, a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology, a member of Florida Academy of Audiology, and audiologist at HearCare Audiology.

If it doesn’t go away, she suggests:

• Taking a deep breath, pinching your nostrils shut, and exhaling to make your ears “pop.” This is called the “Valsalva maneuver.”
• Yawning, chewing gum, or swallowing
• Trying over-the-counter medications, such as decongestants or nasal sprays.”

Click here to read the full article