Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Prevention

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of getting ETD, take the following steps:

• Avoid flying in an airplane or going scuba diving if you have allergies or a cold.
• When flying:
  • Use decongestants or antihistamines if you have an allergy or a cold.
  • Yawn or chew gum. Encourage swallowing by sucking on hard candy or drinking water.
  • When taking off and landing, clear your ears by breathing in and then gently breathing out while holding your nostrils and mouth closed.
  • Try special earplugs that slowly equalize the pressure in your ear. These earplugs can be found at drugstores and airports.