Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation

Memorial Village Sinus and Hearing

ENT Physician & Audiologist located in Houston, TX

Ear problems like pressure, pain, and, in severe cases, a ruptured eardrum, develop when you have a clogged eustachian tube. At Memorial Village Sinus and Hearing in Houston, Texas, board-certified ENT physician Conrad McCutcheon, MD, FACS, treats eustachian tube dysfunction with a safe, in-office procedure: eustachian tube balloon dilation. This minimally invasive treatment gives you long-lasting relief by restoring the tube’s healthy function. Call the office or schedule an exam through online booking today to see if you qualify for eustachian tube balloon dilation.

281-822-3777

What is eustachian tube balloon dilation?

Eustachian tube balloon dilation treats chronic (ongoing) eustachian tube dysfunction. During the minimally invasive procedure, Dr. McCutcheon guides the device through your nasal passageway until it reaches your eustachian tube opening at the back of your nose. He then inflates the balloon to dilate the blocked Eustachian tube. After 2 minutes, the balloon is removed.

Who can have Eustachian tube balloon dilation?

Before recommending a balloon dilation, Dr. McCutcheon will examine your ears and nose to determines if eustachian tube dysfunction is the cause of your symptoms.

Eustachian tube dysfunction most often causes:

Ear pain
Diminished hearing
Ringing in your ear
A feeling of fullness in your ear
Dizziness and vertigo (sensation of spinning)

If this is your first treatment for eustachian tube dysfunction, Dr. McCutcheon will likely first try antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, or antibiotics if indicated. A CT scan is typically necessary to visualize the eustachian tube and surrounding structures.

Most patients qualify for eustachian tube balloon dilation if conservative treatment doesn’t help and they have persistent eustachian tube dysfunction.

What happens during eustachian tube balloon dilation?

The ACCLARENT AERA® Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation System is the first device in the US indicated to treat persistent Eustachian tube dysfunction. Dr. McCutcheon uses the the ACCLARENT AERA® device to reopen your eustachian tube and restore healthy function. He performs the procedure in the office using a local anesthetic.

Dr. McCutcheon guides the device through your nose to the opening of the eustachian tube. Then, he sends a narrow balloon catheter into the tube and inflates the balloon.

The balloon expands the eustachian tube. After leaving the inflated balloon in place for two minutes, Dr. McCutcheon deflates the balloon and removes the device.

The balloon restructures the eustachian tube, giving you long-lasting relief. The newly opened and enlarged eustachian tube restores normal Eustachian tube function.

Don’t struggle with ongoing ear pain and hearing problems. Book online or call Memorial Village Sinus and Hearing today to schedule an exam and learn if you are a candidate for an eustachian tube balloon dilation.

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