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Eustachian Tube (ET) Function
Eustachian Tube (ET) Function
Videoleap-6F6F379E-4923-45E1-B7A3-43928EF621A5.MOVThe eustachian tube (ET) opens periodically throughout the day due to movement of the jaw (chewing, swallowing and yawning) which equalizes pressure between the nasopharynx and middle ear. The tube is closed in its resting state which insulates the middle ear from noises in the nasopharynx such as breathing, swallowing, and speaking.
The eustachian tube (ET) opens periodically throughout the day due to movement of the jaw (chewing, swallowing and yawning) which equalizes pressure between the nasopharynx and middle ear. The tube is closed in its resting state which insulates the middle ear from noises in the nasopharynx such as breathing, swallowing, and speaking.
Patulous Eustachian Tubes (pET)
Patulous Eustachian Tubes (pET)
A normal ET orifice is closed at rest, whereas a patulous ET orifice remains partially or completely open.
A normal ET orifice is closed at rest, whereas a patulous ET orifice remains partially or completely open.
The ET can become dilated and remain open, which is defined as a patulous eustachian tube (pET). Factors leading to pET include but are not limited to weight loss, loss of elasticity in cartilage due to aging, scar tissue in the nasal cavity, and hormonal factors. The largest reason individuals develop pET is due to weight loss. When an excessive amount of weight is lost, the Ostmann’s fat pad becomes smaller and no longer transmits pressure from a muscle to the ET through contact.
The ET can become dilated and remain open, which is defined as a patulous eustachian tube (pET). Factors leading to pET include but are not limited to weight loss, loss of elasticity in cartilage due to aging, scar tissue in the nasal cavity, and hormonal factors. The largest reason individuals develop pET is due to weight loss. When an excessive amount of weight is lost, the Ostmann’s fat pad becomes smaller and no longer transmits pressure from a muscle to the ET through contact.
The following are symptoms experienced by individuals with pET: hearing your own heartbeat, voice, and breathing. The sensation of hearing these internal body noises is called autophony. Additional symptoms include tinnitus and vertigo. Untreated pET can debilitate individuals’ ability to work, cause individuals’ to develop mental illnesses, and in extreme cases lead to thoughts of suicide.
The following are symptoms experienced by individuals with pET: hearing your own heartbeat, voice, and breathing. The sensation of hearing these internal body noises is called autophony. Additional symptoms include tinnitus and vertigo. Untreated pET can debilitate individuals’ ability to work, cause individuals’ to develop mental illnesses, and in extreme cases lead to thoughts of suicide.
Anatomy of the Ear
Anatomy of the Ear
The eustachian tube (ET), with an average length of 31.5mm and diameter of 5mm, connects the nasal cavity to the middle ear. Most of the ET is surrounded by cartilage, muscle and Ostmann's fat pad which provides pressure on the ET and keeps it shut at rest. The constant closure of the tube prevents noise from traveling from the nasal cavity to the middle ear. About one-third of the ET on the middle ear side is surrounded by bone. The junction point of the bone and cartilage is called the isthmus because it corresponds to the most narrow part of the ET. Additionally the tube is lined with cilia and epithelial tissue, which act to rid the middle ear of foreign organisms.
The eustachian tube (ET), with an average length of 31.5mm and diameter of 5mm, connects the nasal cavity to the middle ear. Most of the ET is surrounded by cartilage, muscle and Ostmann's fat pad which provides pressure on the ET and keeps it shut at rest. The constant closure of the tube prevents noise from traveling from the nasal cavity to the middle ear. About one-third of the ET on the middle ear side is surrounded by bone. The junction point of the bone and cartilage is called the isthmus because it corresponds to the most narrow part of the ET. Additionally the tube is lined with cilia and epithelial tissue, which act to rid the middle ear of foreign organisms.
Top view of ET
Top view of ET
The ET (dark blue) is surrounded by the Ostmann’s fat pad (orange), cartilage (teal), and the lvp muscle (red).
The ET (dark blue) is surrounded by the Ostmann’s fat pad (orange), cartilage (teal), and the lvp muscle (red).
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