Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

The eustachian tubes are small channels that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat.  When these tubes become blocked, it’s known as eustachian tube dysfunction.  Children are more susceptible to eustachian tube dysfunction partly because their ears don’t drain as effectively as they will when they’re older, and they tend to catch colds more frequently. As a child’s immune system matures, their eustachian tube function gradually improves, though the timing varies for each child. Ear tubes can help address this issue but deciding whether to use them involves weighing the risks and benefits.