Eustachian Tubes

Normal and blocked eustachian tubes

When you yawn or swallow, the eustachian tubes open briefly and make the air pressure equal inside and outside the ears (top picture).

The eustachian tubes drain fluid from the ears. But if a tube can't open, fluid can get trapped in the middle ear (bottom picture). This creates pressure that can cause ear pain.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSusan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical ReviewerCharles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology
Last RevisedSeptember 10, 2012
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: September 10, 2012
Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology

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