Eustachian tube patency

Eustachian tube patency refers to how much the eustachian tube is open. The eustachian tube runs between the middle ear and the throat. It controls the pressure behind the eardrum in the middle ear space. This helps keep the middle ear free of fluid.

The eustachian tube is normally open, or patent. However, some conditions can increase pressure in the ear such as:

Ear infections
Ear infections
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents take their children to the health care provider. The most common type of ear infection is ...
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Upper respiratory infections
Altitude changes
Altitude changes
The air pressure outside of your body changes as altitude changes. This creates a difference in pressure on the two sides of the eardrum. You may f...
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These can cause the eustachian tube to become blocked.

Open References

References

Kerschner JE, Preciado D. Otitis media. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 658.

O'Reilly RC, Levi J. Anatomy and physiology of the eustachian tube. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 130.

Ear anatomy - illustration
The ear consists of external, middle, and inner structures. The eardrum and the 3 tiny bones conduct sound from the eardrum to the cochlea.
Ear anatomy
illustration
Eustachian tube anatomy - illustration
The eustachian tube is the tube that runs between the middle ear and pharynx and regulates the ear pressure around the ear drum.
Eustachian tube anatomy
illustration

Ear anatomy - illustration
The ear consists of external, middle, and inner structures. The eardrum and the 3 tiny bones conduct sound from the eardrum to the cochlea.
Ear anatomy
illustration
Eustachian tube anatomy - illustration
The eustachian tube is the tube that runs between the middle ear and pharynx and regulates the ear pressure around the ear drum.
Eustachian tube anatomy
illustration

A Closer Look

Talking to your MD

Self Care

Tests for Eustachian tube patency

Review Date: 7/28/2022

Reviewed By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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Health Library

Eustachian tube patency

Ear infections

Altitude changes

References

Ear anatomy - illustration

Ear anatomy

Eustachian tube anatomy - illustration

Eustachian tube anatomy