The eustachian (yoo-STAY-shun) tube connects the middle ear (the part of the ear behind the eardrum) to the back of the throat. Sometimes the eustachian tube has trouble opening and/or closing which leads to eustachian tube problems. 

Some kids with eustachian tube problems (also called eustachian tube dysfunction) don't have any symptoms. Other kids may have pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear, dizziness, or ringing in the ear, or they may not hear as well as usual. 

Eustachian tube problems often get better on their own. If the problems don't get better, treatment is needed to prevent long-lasting problems. Treatment depends on the cause of eustachian tube problems.

Follow your health care provider's advice for:

• Giving any prescribed medicines.
• Giving medicine for pain, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often. Don't give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old. 
• Any activities your child needs to avoid (for example scuba or deep diving).
• Anything you need to do if your child is going on an airplane.
• Whether your child needs to go for a hearing test or any other tests.
• Whether your child should go to an ear, nose, and throat specialist or an allergy specialist.
• Whether your child should see a counselor. (In some kids, anxiety can make eustachian tube problems worse.)
• When to follow up.

General care:

• Yawning, swallowing, or gently blowing the nose may help if your child's ears feel full or blocked. Babies can suck on a pacifier or drink a bottle. Chewing gum may work well for children over 4 years old who know not to swallow gum.
• Dehydration (not enough water in the body) can make eustachian tube problems worse. Make sure your child drinks plenty of liquids.
• Smoking and vaping can make eustachian tube problems worse. Make your home and car smoke and vapor free. For help quitting, call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or visit smokefree.gov.

• Your child has new or worsening ear pain.
• Your child has pus or blood draining from the ear.
• You are worried about your child's hearing.

What causes eustachian tube problems? In kids, the most common causes are:

• Infections (for example, colds, ear infections, and sinus infections)
• Allergies
• Reflux (backflow) of acid from the stomach into the eustachian tube 
• Swollen adenoids (glands at the back of the nose)
• Sudden changes in air pressure (like when flying)

What happens if eustachian tube problems don't get better? Eustachian tube problems can lead to:

• Long-lasting fluid behind the eardrum or frequent ear infections. This can lead to trouble hearing, which can affect speech and language development.
• A growth behind the eardrum (called a cholesteatoma).

What other treatment may be needed? If eustachian tube problems don't get better, health care providers may:

• Test and treat for allergies
• Give steroids to calm inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the eustachian tube
• Do surgery (for example, a surgeon may put tiny tubes in the eardrum to keep pressures at the right level and let fluid drain out)