Eustachian Tube

An elongated, valvelike channel of tissue that connects the middle EAR and the THROAT. The eustachian tube relaxes or constricts to equalize the pressure between the middle ear and the external environment. The sensation of the ears “popping” indicates air moving through the eustachian tube. Congestion easily blocks the eustachian tube, particularly in children because their small, compact facial structure causes the eustachian tubes to be nearly horizontal. In adults, the eustachian tubes angle downward from the ear to the throat, thwarting progression of fluid from the throat to the middle ear. Blocked eustachian tubes result in a feeling of fullness in the ears and can set the stage for OTITIS media (INFECTION of the middle ear).