Middle Ear Conditions
Middle Ear Condition Services
At Spokane ENT, we provide expert evaluation and management of dilatory eustachian tube dysfunction, a condition where the eustachian tube fails to properly open and equalize pressure in the middle ear. Our team performs comprehensive assessment including tympanometry, audiometry, and nasal endoscopy to identify the underlying cause and severity of dysfunction. We offer advanced treatment options including medical management with nasal steroids and decongestants, and when indicated, balloon tuboplasty—a minimally invasive procedure that uses a balloon catheter to dilate the eustachian tube and restore proper function. Our specialists also treat barotraumatic middle ear insults, which occur when rapid pressure changes (such as during air travel or diving) cause injury to the middle ear structures, providing both acute management and preventive strategies.
We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of patulous eustachian tube, a condition where the eustachian tube remains abnormally open, causing symptoms such as autophony (hearing one's own voice or breathing loudly), aural fullness, and hearing fluctuations. Our team performs detailed evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and assess the impact on quality of life. We offer comprehensive management including medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, and when appropriate, surgical interventions to address this challenging condition and improve patient comfort and hearing function.
Our practice provides comprehensive care for acute otitis media and chronic otitis media with effusion, common middle ear conditions affecting both children and adults. We perform thorough evaluation including otoscopic examination, tympanometry, and audiometric testing to assess the extent of infection or fluid accumulation. For acute infections, we provide appropriate antibiotic therapy and pain management, while for chronic effusion, we offer medical management and when indicated, surgical placement of tympanostomy tubes (ear tubes) to ventilate the middle ear space and prevent recurrent infections. Our team works closely with patients and families to develop individualized treatment plans, ensuring optimal outcomes and improved ear health.