![]() ![]() Some people are born with a dysfunctional Eustachian tube, which is much slimmer than the usual human Eustachian tube.For example in a rapid ascent while scuba diving, or a sudden decompression of an aircraft at high altitude.Barotitis, a form of barotrauma, may occur when there is a substantial difference in air or water pressure between the outer inner and the inner ear.Many children’s middle ear disorders are related to the Eustachian tube.Children under 7 are more susceptible to this condition because the Eustachian tube is shorter and at more of a horizontal angle than in the adult ear.The Eustachian tube also drains mucus from the middle ear. Upper respiratory tract infections or allergies can cause the Eustachian tube, or the membranes surrounding its opening to become swollen, trapping fluid, which serves as a growth medium for bacteria, causing ear infections. This swelling can be reduced through the use of nasal sprays.Įar infections are more common in children because the tube is horizontal and shorter, making bacterial entry easier, and it also has a smaller diameter, making the movement of fluid more difficult. In addition, children’s developing immune systems, and poor hygiene habits make them more prone to upper respiratory infections. When this happens, humans hear a small popping sound, an event familiar to aircraft passengers, scuba divers, or drivers in mountainous regions Eustachian tube function – mucus drainage Various methods of ear clearing such as yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum, may be used intentionally to open the tube and equalize pressures. Pressure differences cause temporary conductive hearing loss by decreased motion of the tympanic membrane and ossicles of the ear. Under normal circumstances, the human Eustachian tube is closed, but it can open to let a small amount of air through to prevent damage by equalizing pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere. Some modern medical books call this the pharyngotympanic tube Eustachian tube functions – pressure equalization It is named after the sixteenth-century anatomist Bartolomeo Eustachi. In adult humans the Eustachian tube is approximately 35 mm long. Takasaki K, Takahashi H, Miyamoto I et al (2007) Measurement of angle and length of the eustachian tube on computed tomography using multiplanar reconstruction technique.The Eustachian tube, also auditory tube or pharyngotympanic tube is a tube that links the nasopharynx to the middle ear. Seibert JW, Danner CJ (2006) Eustachian tube function and the middle ear. In: Flint PW (ed) Cummings otolaryngology: head and neck surgery, 5th edn. ![]() Reilly RC, Sando I (2010) The eustachian tube. Proctor B (1967) Embryology and anatomy of the eustachian tube. Persaud R, Hajioff D, Trinidade A et al (2007) Evidence-based review of aetiopathogenic theories of congenital and acquired cholesteatoma. ![]() Northrop C, Piza J, Eavey RD (1996) Histological observations of amniotic fluid cellular content in the ear of neonates and infants. Hughes GB, Pensak ML (2007) Clinical otology, 3rd edn. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, pp 1253–1264īluestone CD, Doyle WJ (1998) Anatomy and physiology of eustachian tube and middle ear related to otitis media. In: Bailey BJ (ed) Baileys head and neck surgery – otolaryngology, 4th edn. Laryngoscope 114:1–26īluestone CD (2006) Anatomy and physiology of the eustachian tube system. Bluestone CD (2004) Studies in otitis media: children‘s hospital of Pittsburgh – University of Pittsburgh progress report. ![]()
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