At Greater Lancashire Hospital, we offer Balloon dilation, a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), a condition that occurs when the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, becomes blocked or inflamed.
This can cause symptoms such as ear pain, pressure, and fullness, as well as hearing loss and tinnitus.
During the procedure, a small, flexible balloon catheter is inserted into the Eustachian tube through the nose.
The balloon is then inflated, which widens the Eustachian tube and improves its function.
The procedure is minimally invasive and involves minimal downtime and discomfort.
Patients may experience some mild congestion and discomfort after the procedure, but these symptoms usually resolve within a few days.
Balloon dilation is considered a safe and effective treatment option for patients with ETD who have not responded well to other treatments, such as medication or nasal sprays. It has a high success rate and is associated with minimal risk of complications.