ABSTRACT
The Eustachian tube (ET) is a complex organ consisting of a dynamic, mucosal lined canal with its mucosa, cartilage, surrounding soft tissue, peritubal muscles, superior bony support and the sphenoid sulcus. The ET functions as a pressure-equalising valve for the middle ear, which is normally filled with gas. ET dysfunction (ETD) is estimated to be present in about 1% of the general population. Acute ETD can occur during nasal congestion due to, for example, the common cold or allergic rhinitis, and is transient. ETD lasting longer than three consecutive months has to be considered chronic. Chronic ETD can be due to obstruction or to a patulous ET. A patulous ET can be best diagnosed through a well-structured examination including patient history, physical examination with thorough observation of movements of the tympanic membrane, and tympanometry with reflex decay. Medical management of ETD should be directed at the underlying cause.
