Eustachian Tube Dilation in Corpus Christi, TX

For patients with chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) that does not respond adequately to medical therapy, balloon Eustachian tuboplasty (BET) also known as Eustachian tube balloon dilation offers a minimally invasive surgical solution that has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy. At Corpus Christi ENT Sinus and Allergy, Dr. Todd M. Weiss performs this advanced procedure to provide durable, meaningful relief for patients who have struggled with persistent ear pressure, muffled hearing, and recurrent middle ear disease.

What Is Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty?

Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty is an outpatient procedure in which a specially designed balloon catheter is guided through the nasal cavity and into the Eustachian tube opening (torus tubarius). The balloon is then inflated with sterile saline to a controlled pressure for approximately two minutes. This inflation gently dilates the cartilaginous portion of the tube, disrupting scar tissue and mucosal adhesions that restrict tube opening. Once the balloon is deflated and removed, the tube retains its improved patency.

Who Is a Candidate?

Candidates for Eustachian tube balloon dilation include patients who:

Have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive ETD confirmed by tympanometry and clinical evaluation
Have not achieved adequate symptom control with nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, decongestants, or treatment of underlying allergy
Experience chronic ear pressure, muffled hearing, or recurrent middle ear fluid
Require repeated ear tube placements to manage ETD-related middle ear effusion
Experience ear pain and pressure with altitude changes that significantly impair daily activities

Patulous ETD (a tube that is abnormally open) is not a candidate for this procedure.

The Procedure: What to Expect

The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, often in combination with other nasal or sinus procedures when indicated. A rigid nasal endoscope is used to visualize the nasopharynx. The balloon catheter is advanced under direct vision into the Eustachian tube orifice and inflated for approximately two minutes bilaterally. Total operative time for the BET portion of the procedure is approximately 10 minutes.

Clinical Evidence

Multiple prospective studies and randomized controlled trials have demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in ETD symptoms, tympanometric findings, and quality of life measures following BET, with durable results observed at 12 to 24 months of follow-up. The procedure has received FDA clearance for the treatment of persistent ETD in adults.

Recovery

Recovery is generally straightforward. Some patients experience mild nasal congestion or Eustachian tube discomfort in the days following the procedure. Nasal saline irrigation is recommended post-operatively. Most patients return to normal activities within one to two days. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess treatment response and middle ear status.

Risks

Serious complications are rare. Potential risks include temporary increase in ear pressure symptoms, epistaxis (nosebleed), and, in extremely rare cases, mucosal injury. Dr. Weiss will review all risks and benefits during your pre-operative consultation.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If chronic ear pressure or fullness hasn’t responded to other treatments, balloon Eustachian tuboplasty may offer lasting relief. Call us at (361) 320-6130 or connect with us online to schedule a consultation.