Auditory Tube
Auditory Tube
Auditory Tube
Applied Aspects
Middle ear infections are more common in infants
and young children than in adults, since the
eustachian tube is shorter, wider and more horizontal
and infections from nasopharynx can easily reach the
middle ear.
Functions of Eustachian Tube
• At rest, Eustachian tube remains closed.
• Eustachian tube is reflexly opened during swallowing, yawning and sneezing.
• It maintains equilibrium of air pressure on either side of tympanic membrane.
• It protects the middle ear by preventing the transmission of high air pressure from
nasopharynx to middle ear.
• Movement of cilia present in epithelium of tube, clears the secretions from middle ear.
Applied Aspects
Blockage of Eustachian Tube- (blockage may be due to inflammation of tubal tonsil)
•Residual air in middle ear is absorbed into the blood vessels of its mucous membrane.
•Air pressure falls in tympanic cavity.
•Tympanic membrane retracts (bulges towards middle ear cavity).
Clinical Features-
•Hearing disturbance.
•Severe headache.
Treatment-
Periodic introduction of air within the middle ear by Eustachian catheter.