What is the Eustachian tube?
The Eustachian tube (Eustachian tube, Tuba auditiva) is a three to four centimeter long, tube-shaped connection between the tympanic cavity in the middle ear and the pharyngeal cavity. The first third of the eustachian tube, which directly connects to the tympanic cavity, consists of a bony part; the other two thirds, which lead to the pharynx, are covered by cartilage. The Eustachian tube terminates in the pharynx with an opening that is closed at rest by the elastic cartilage.
Inside, the eustachian tube is lined with a ciliated epithelium, under which there are mucous glands. Their number increases toward the pharynx. The cooperation of the mucous glands with the outwardly directed cilia transports secretions and any foreign bodies through the Eustachian tube to the outside of the pharynx.
What is the function of the Eustachian tube?
The connection between the nose and the ear via the Eustachian tube serves to equalize the pressure between the tympanic cavity in the middle ear and the nasopharynx and thus with the outside air.
What problems can the Eustachian tube cause?
Tubal catarrh (inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane in the tuba auditiva) blocks the eustachian tube. This depletes the air supply in the tympanic cavity. Negative pressure develops in the middle ear, and the eardrum, which is then affected on one side only by the air pressure from the auditory canal, loses its ability to vibrate – resulting in deafness until the Eustachian tube is clear again.
Inflammation of the Eustachian tube (i.e. tubal catarrh) can develop into tubal-middle ear catarrh.
If the Eustachian tube is always open, one perceives one’s own voice as unpleasantly loud and booming (autophony).
