Getting Ready for Eustachian Tube Dilation

How is the procedure done?

• It is usually done in our office under sedation.
• A small scope is used to find the opening of the Eustachian tube at the back of the nose. A balloon is placed in the tube, inflated, then deflated and removed.
• How it works: Inflating the balloon gently stretches and reshapes the tube. It presses on the swollen, inflamed lining and makes small, controlled adjustments to the soft cartilage walls. As the area heals over the following weeks, the unhealthy, inflamed lining is gradually replaced by healthier tissue, and the passage tends to stay more open. The result is a tube that can open and close more normally, so air and fluid move the way they should, which can relieve the fullness, pressure and muffled hearing.

Our Eustachian tube dilation page explains who the procedure helps.

What is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

Our team explains how the Eustachian tube works and what happens when it does not open well.

Watch on YouTube

What are the risks?

Every procedure has risks. We will go over them with you, and you can ask about any of them.

• Pain, bleeding and infection are risks of any procedure.
• Mild, temporary bleeding from the nose is common.
• Artery injury. A major artery (the carotid artery) runs near the Eustachian tube. The risk of injuring it is very low, but it could cause severe, possibly life-threatening bleeding or a stroke.
• Scarring of the tube that blocks it is very rare.
• A tube that stays too open can cause bothersome symptoms, such as hearing your own voice loudly, or ear pressure and fullness.
• Results vary. Not everyone’s ear symptoms improve enough, and more treatment may be needed.

How do I get ready?

• Before the procedure

  • Give us a list of every medicine, vitamin and supplement you take.
  • If you take aspirin or a blood thinner, tell us. Do not stop it on your own; we will tell you whether you need to.

• Eating and drinking

  • You can eat and drink as usual on the day of the procedure, unless you are having sedation.
  • If you are having sedation: follow the eating and drinking instructions we give you exactly, and arrange for an adult to drive you home.

• The day of the procedure

  • Arrive at our office 30 minutes before your procedure time.
  • Bring a bottle of Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray with you. You can buy it at any pharmacy or grocery store.
  • Bring your photo ID, insurance card and list of medicines.

What happens after the procedure?

• Most people go back to work or school the next day.
• Mild bleeding from the nose for 1 to 2 days can happen. If you are worried about how much you are bleeding, call us.
• For 1 week, do not blow your nose, lift heavy things or fly.
• Your follow-up visit is about 1 week after the procedure. Most people reach the full benefit in 4 to 6 weeks.

The Eustachian Tube Dilation Recovery Guide has everything you need after the procedure, including when to call us.

When should I call before surgery?