The eustachian tube is located behind the eardrum. It connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. The tube is usually closed. But it opens during yawning or swallowing. This helps make the air pressure in the middle ear the same as outside the ear. The tube also drains fluid made in the middle ear. A blocked tube is often called eustachian tube dysfunction. This condition can be common in babies. Their eustachian tubes are small and still forming.
A eustachian tube that is blocked causes pressure, pain, and loss of hearing. Sounds may be muffled. The ear may feel full. A nonverbal child may cry and pull at the ears. An older child may say they have pain, dizziness, pressure in the ear, or trouble hearing. The child may hear humming or ringing. A blockage can sometimes lead to an ear infection.
The blockage usually goes away on its own without treatment. In other cases, treatments may be given to help reduce swelling within the tube. If an ear infection is present, it may be treated with antibiotics. A blocked eustachian tube is usually a short-term problem. In certain cases, surgery may be needed to place a special tube in the eardrum. The tube helps to drain fluid from the middle ear. This may lower the risk of hearing loss and future ear infections.
Home care
If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Don't let your child stop taking them just because they feel better. They need to take the full course of antibiotics.
You may teach an older child to yawn. Chewing gum and swallowing also may help. If you have a baby, try breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, or giving them a pacifier to open the eustachian tubes.
Prevention
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A blocked eustachian tube is often caused by other conditions such as a cold or allergies. Encourage your child to wash their hands often. If they have allergies, try to avoid what sets off (triggers) their symptoms.
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Keep your child's head upright when bottle-feeding. This is to prevent formula from entering the eustachian tube. Don't lay your baby down with a bottle.
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Don't smoke and don't let others smoke around your child.
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Take steps to reduce painful pressure in the eustachian tubes when your child flies on an airplane. Pressure can build up in the tubes during air travel, especially during takeoff and landing. This can be very painful for children. If you have a baby, try breastfeeding or bottle-feeding during takeoff and landing. Teach your children to swallow or yawn at these times to help equalize pressure.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child’s doctor as directed.
When to get medical advice
Call your child's doctor if any of the following occur:
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New or increased fever
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Hearing loss or trouble hearing
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Symptoms last longer than a few weeks
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Redness or swelling around the ear
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Pain gets worse
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Foul-smelling fluid drains from the ear
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New symptoms develop
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Author: Wheeler, Brooke
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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