A patient reports constant ear pressure, problems equalizing pressure, and an overall deterioration in hearing, such as having difficulty following conversations in larger groups.
A detailed medical history and thorough examination of the patient led to the diagnosis of obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction. Treatment initially focuses on conservative and symptomatic methods, such as the use of decongestant nasal sprays, paracentesis, or the placement of ventilation tubes.
However, if the patient comes back with continued symptoms more advanced treatment such as tubomanometry in a clinic could be considered.
Dilatation of the Eustachian tube using an atraumatic dilatation catheter is recommended for the long-term restoration of middle ear ventilation. This minimally invasive and causal treatment method enables the restoration of tube function and thus ensures both normal air exchange and pressure equalization. Before dilatation is performed, however, potential causes such as adenoids, allergies, or laryngopharyngeal reflux should be identified and treated.
Patients who are treated with a dilatation catheter can usually leave the clinic on the same day and return to their normal activities. From the second postoperative day, a daily Valsalva maneuver or nasal balloon training can be started in order to regularly train the function of the eustachian tube and promote ventilation. For years after the procedure, patients can experience a significant improvement in symptoms or remain symptom-free.
Conventional treatment methods such as antibiotic treatment, paracentesis or the insertion of ventilation tubes cannot permanently remedy chronic tube dysfunction.
Balloon dilatation of the Eustachian tube - a doctor and his patient report:
In order to causally restore the function of the Eustachian tube, a 2-minute dilatation with a balloon catheter at 10 bar has proven to be a safe, effective, and internationally recognized treatment method for adults and children. The procedure can be performed in both an inpatient and outpatient setting.
In the following video, Dr. med. Jörg Langer (AMEOS Klinikum Halberstadt) and his patient talk about this causal therapy for chronic tube dysfunction.
Balloon dilatation with TubaVent®
Ventilation disorders of the ears affect people of all ages and can cause considerable discomfort, such as recurrent otitis media. This can be caused by a dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, an often-chronic dysfunction in which the regulation of middle ear pressure is restricted.
The TubaVent® system was the first of its kind to be developed to treat eustachian tube dysfunction in a particularly gentle and sustainable manner using controlled balloon dilatation. Our dilatation catheters have been used over 125,000 times worldwide since 2010. Thanks to the high level of patient satisfaction and the significant improvement in tube function that can be achieved with our system, this treatment method is now firmly established in practice.
Optimum length (236 mm) ensures controlled stretching of the cartilaginous part of the tube
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