Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a disorder where pressure abnormalities in the middle ear result in symptoms.
[3] As well, Valsalva CT scanning using advanced 64 slice or higher machines has been proposed as a way of diagnosing and localizing anatomic obstruction within the Eustachian tube.
This is a possible explanation for the increased frequency of chronic ear disease in disadvantaged populations who lack access to medical care including antibiotics and tympanostomy tubes.
[9] If medical management fails, myringotomy, which is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the eardrum to drain pus from the middle ear or to relieve pressure caused by a large buildup of fluid, is indicated, and usually accompanied by the insertion of a tympanostomy tube.
There are two methods of performing this procedure depending on the route of the catheter introduction and the area of the Eustachian tube to be dilated.