Balloon dilation for lasting eustachian tube problems
Part of Ear, nose & throat clinical trials.
This trial tests a procedure called balloon eustachian tuboplasty, which uses a small balloon to open the eustachian tube, to see if it helps adults with ongoing eustachian tube dysfunction. The goal is to improve ear pressure and comfort over the long term.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You are between 18 and 85 years old
- You have symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunction (such as ear fullness, popping, or trouble equalizing pressure) that continue despite standard medical treatment
- You have not had prior surgery on the middle ear (ear tubes are okay)
- You have no hole in the eardrum on the side to be treated
- You have not had balloon dilation of the eustachian tube before
- You are generally healthy (classified as ASA 1 or 2) and able to undergo general anesthesia
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
Similar studies
Other trials that look related to this one.
This trial tests whether balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube can improve symptoms like ear pressure, muffled hearing, pain, ringing, and popping. It’s for people whose symptoms have lasted for months (or are triggered by pressure changes) and haven’t improved with usual non-surgical treatments.
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This Phase 2 study tests a new way of delivering a steroid medicine (fluticasone) through the nose to treat eustachian tube dysfunction, which can cause ear pressure, popping, or discomfort. It may help by reducing swelling around the eustachian tube so the ear can drain and equalize pressure better.
This study tests whether balloon sinuplasty works better or more efficiently for people with long-lasting or repeatedly returning inflammation in the maxillary sinuses (side sinuses near your cheeks). It focuses on people who did not improve with the usual nose spray (topical steroid) or who meet specific “recurrent” episode patterns.
This study tests whether a special breathing technique (Buteyko breathing) can help seniors with long-lasting Eustachian tube dysfunction that affects only one ear. It may offer a drug-free way to relieve ear pressure or discomfort.
This study tests a new device called EarFlo that is used outside the ear and nose to help drain fluid and treat Eustachian tube dysfunction in adults. If you have fluid in your ear and want to try a non-surgical option, this might be a good fit.
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