Where is the Eustachian Tube and what does it do?

The Eustachian tube is a small channel that goes from the middle ear space to the back of the nose. The Eustachian tube allows pressure or fluid to drain out of the middle ear and into the back of the nose. When you “pop” your ears by blowing gently while closing your nose and mouth you may force open this tube to relieve any pressure behind your eardrum. The Eustachian tube is lined with the same mucosa (membrane) that lines the inside of your nose. Any condition that causes swelling of the inside of your nose (allergy, infection, etc…) may also cause swelling within this small tube causing the tube to close. If this tube does not open then fluid and pressure may build up behind the eardrum causing intermittent ear pain, popping sounds, ear fullness, or hearing loss. If the fluid persist, it may cause otitis media with effusion or if infected may cause acute otitis media. If the Eustachian tube continues to dysfunction the pressure and fluid behind the eardrum may rupture allowing fluid to leak out of the ear canal.