Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Treatments

Treatment

To deal with ear clogging, discomfort, or pain, you can try:

• Swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum to relieve the pressure
• Clearing your ears by breathing in and then gently breathing out while holding your nostrils and mouth closed

If the symptoms do not go away within a few hours or are severe, your doctor may recommend the following medications:

• Nasal or oral decongestants
• Oral antihistamines
• Nasal steroids to relieve nasal congestion and enable the eustachian tube to open
• Pain medications (eg, acetaminophen or ibuprofen )

In rare cases, a myringotomy may be necessary. The doctor makes an incision in the eardrum to allow the pressure to equalize and the fluid to drain.