Eustachian tube balloon dilatation at Spire Washington Hospital

Approximately 1% of the population suffers with pressure symptoms in their ears. For some people this is only troublesome when flying, due to an inability to equalise the pressures within their middle ears as the flight descends. However, for others it can cause problems at other times, particularly after a cold or sinusitis, when it can be associated with hearing problems, ear popping, crackling or tinnitus.

These symptoms are thought to occur due to inflammation and narrowing of the Eustachian tube, which links the middle part of the ear with the back of the nose. Collectively these symptoms are termed “Eustachian tube dysfunction.”

These symptoms are usually treated with over-the-counter steroid drops or sprays; however these can prove to be unsuccessful.

Clinical studies of Eustachian tube balloon dilatation, carried out in the USA and Europe, have demonstrated high levels of technical success coupled with a low incidence of any adverse effects. Results of these studies can be found on the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) website. There is little to no recovery time with this procedure and you can usually return to normal activity the following day.

Our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals. They have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. And many consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.

You have a formal consultation with a consultant or other healthcare professional. During this time, you can explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have. We also discuss with you if any further diagnostic tests, like as scans or blood tests, are needed, and let you know if there are additional before we do them.

Our dedicated team provide tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit. And we aim to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.

The patient information section for each hospital has details of visiting hours, food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all the other important practicalities.

Eustachian tube dilatation is carried out under a short general anaesthetic using endoscopes via the nose to gently insert a small balloon into the Eustachian tube orifice at the back of the nose. This balloon is inflated to open the Eustachian tubes then deflated and removed, restoring equal ear pressure without lengthy recovery time or stay in hospital.

Pain relief

The surgery does not tend to be very painful and only simple pain killers such as paracetamol may be needed on the day of surgery and the following morning.

Recovery time

You can expect to be back at work the day after surgery, however some patients may experience a temporary change in pressure or a feeling of fullness in their ears the first few days following surgery.

End results

The benefits of the operation take some time. While some patients experience immediate improvement in their symptoms, the majority take up to one month to notice the benefit, with further improvements up to three months after surgery.

We will typically want to see you at one and three months after your Eustachian tube balloon dilatation procedure to see how you are doing.

On rare occasions, complications following surgery can occur. If you experience significant nose bleeds – please call us straightaway.

We’re committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results.

Important to note

The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.