South Bay Leader

• Eustachian tubes are slender tubes connecting the middle ears to the upper throat.
• They play a role in balancing ear pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear, which is situated behind the eardrum.
• If you're suffering from ear troubles, it could be a result of eustachian tube dysfunction, caused by sinusitis.

If you're dealing with ear pain, trouble hearing, or the feeling of your ears being clogged, you might be dealing with eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). Dr. Farhad Sigari of Del Rey MD said a balloon dilation procedure can help treat the issue.

"Eustachian Tube dysfunction, in essence, refers to the improper function of the eustachian tube—a tube that connects your middle ear space to the back of the nasal cavity," Dr. Sigari told South Bay Leader. "Most people experience symptoms like excessive popping in their ears, discomfort during flights due to pressure changes, or when diving. Being located in Marina Del Rey, we've treated numerous divers, surfers, ultra-athletes, swimmers, and even flight attendants from LAX, all of whom suffered from significant issues related to ear equalization. Fortunately, we can employ a dilation technique similar to the one used for sinus procedures to open the eustachian tube."

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 Del Rey MD's website, Dr. Sigari obtained his bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from the University of California, San Diego, where he conducted research on heart disease. He attended Chicago Medical School, earning degrees in medicine, applied physiology, and pathology. During this time, Sigari received recognition, including the Dean's Award and the Alpha Omega Alpha Award. Following this, he completed his surgical internship training, specializing in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery, at the University of Chicago Hospital.