The eustachian tube is located behind the eardrum. It connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. The tube is usually closed. But it opens during yawning or swallowing. This helps make the air pressure in the middle ear the same as outside the ear. The tube also drains mucus made in the middle ear. A blocked tube is called a eustachian tube obstruction. This condition can be common in babies, whose eustachian tubes are small and still forming.
A eustachian tube that is blocked causes pressure, pain, and loss of hearing. Sounds may be muffled. The ear may feel full. A nonverbal child may cry and pull at the ears. An older child may complain of pain, dizziness, pressure in the ear, or trouble hearing. The child may hear humming or ringing. A blockage can sometimes lead to an ear infection.
Sometimes the blockage goes away on its own without treatment. In other cases, treatments may be given to help reduce swelling within the tube. These may include a nasal decongestant, antihistamine, nasal spray (prescription steroid or over-the-counter saline), or allergy treatment. An ear infection may be treated with antibiotics. A blocked eustachian tube is usually a short-term problem. In certain cases, surgery may be needed to place a special tube in the eardrum. The tube helps to drain fluid from the middle ear. This may lower the risk of hearing loss and future ear infections.
Home care
Medicines may be prescribed to reduce fluid and inflammation or to treat an ear infection. Follow directions for giving these medicines to your child as directed by your healthcare provider.
Prevention
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Keep your child's head upright when bottle-feeding. This is to prevent formula from entering the eustachian tube. Don't lay your baby down with a bottle.
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Don't smoke and don't let others smoke around your child.
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Keep your child’s ear canal dry. Have your child wear ear plugs when taking a bath or playing in a pool.
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Teach your child to swallow or yawn to open their eustachian tubes to equalize pressure.
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Take steps to reduce painful pressure in the eustachian tubes when your child flies on an airplane. Pressure can build up in the eustachian tubes during air travel, especially during takeoff and landing. This can be very painful for children. If you have a baby, try breast- or bottle-feeding during takeoff and landing. Teach your children to swallow or yawn at these times to help equalize pressure.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child’s healthcare provider, or as directed.
When to get medical advice
Call your child's healthcare provider if any of the following occur:
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
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Hearing loss or trouble hearing
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Symptoms last longer than a few weeks
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Redness or swelling in the ear gets worse
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Pain gets worse
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Foul-smelling fluid drains from the ear
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New symptoms develop
Author: Wheeler, Brooke
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
