As we grow older, the
Eustacian tube becomes larger and more angled, making it progressively more difficult for infectious viruses and bacteria to reach the middle ear.
She reported recurrent otitis media (due to infiltration of the CH into the
eustacian tube), in addition to well-controlled epilepsy and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
With
Eustacian tube dysfunction there occurs an inability of the middle ear to equalize pressure with the atmosphere, resulting in distortion of the mucosa of the middle ear and tympanic membrane.
A WHEN you swallow, you create negative pressure in your mouth and the eardrum is sucked in as the ear is connected to the throat by the
eustacian tube. Sometimes the tube gets blocked by catarrh and the pressure doesn't equalise right away, leading to a clicking or popping sensation.
You are right to be taking decongestant tablets as these keep a little channel called the
eustacian tube open.
However, most ear problems in youngsters are caused by infections and/or fluid in the middle ear, or by
eustacian tube dysfunction.