Pressure imbalance in the ear

Everyone has experienced ear pressure – whether in a plane during take-off and landing, when going through a tunnel on the train or when hiking through mountain passes. The problem is also familiar to divers. Normally, this uncomfortable and even painful feeling disappears quickly – usually after swallowing or a really good yawn. However, about one percent of adults suffer from pressure imbalance disorder, where these symptoms persist or result in a permanent sensation of “muffled“ hearing.

Persistent dysfunction needs to be treated

People with pressure imbalance disorder in the ear should consult an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor for advice. Your doctor will start by giving you a full ENT examination. The results of this examination will decide a suitable course of treatment. In some cases, the symptoms can be relieved with a new treatment procedure: balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube with a TubaVent®-catheter. If this method is appropriate chosen, your ENT consultant will refer you to a specialist clinic for this minimally-invasive procedure.

A patient reports

Learn from a patient about her problems with ear pressure, the limitations in her professional and everyday life, as well as her experience with balloon dilation. Senior physician Dr. med. Jörg Langer from the AMEOS-Klinikum Halberstadt, Germany, explains the procedure, the risks and the results of this new therapy.

How does pressure imbalance dysfunction occur?

This can be explained by taking a look inside the ear. >>

What is a "TubaVent®-catheter"?

How does balloon dilatation of the Eustachian tube work? Which pre-operative examinations are necessary? >>