"When people pop their ears, that is the eustachian tube opening and closing, and that is something that's naturally and constantly happening throughout the day when you're chewing, swallowing and yawning. Most people never feel the pressure build up, they never feel the pressure release, and they don't really think about their ears," Dr. Lee told Patient Daily. "With eustachian tube dysfunction, that tube just is not working properly; it's usually swollen or inflamed, and what happens is that it doesn't open and pressure starts to build up to the ears. So patients will usually have symptoms of ear fullness, ear pressure, and hearing feeling slightly muffled."
Eustachian tubes are narrow passages that can become obstructed for various reasons, according to Healthline. When these tubes are blocked, it can result in pain, hearing challenges, and a sensation of fullness in the ears, a condition known as eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).
ETD can arise from allergies, a typical cold, influenza, or chronic acid reflux. Symptoms may intensify during altitude changes, such as on an airplane or during scuba diving, according to Cleveland Clinic. While ETD often resolves spontaneously, if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, seeking advice from a doctor is advisable. At-home remedies for addressing ETD may involve chewing gum, yawning, swallowing, or using a saline nasal spray.
Cleveland Clinic reported that in cases where at-home remedies or medications prove ineffective for addressing ETD, a physician may suggest an in office procedure. One available option is eustachian tuboplasty, also referred to as eustachian tube balloon dilation. This relatively recent procedure entails the insertion of a small balloon through the nasal passage into the eustachian tube, followed by inflation. The balloon is maintained in an inflated state for approximately two minutes before being deflated and removed by the doctor. Typically, patients recover from this surgery within one day or so.
According to Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy's website, Dr, Lee graduated from Loma Linda University School of Medicine as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. Subsequently, he completed his internship and residency in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) at the University of Southern California. Lee received recognition as one of the Valley's "Top Doctors" by Phoenix Magazine in both 2015 and 2016.
