Though rare, it is not a serious medical condition.
The tubes briefly open once or twice an hour to equalize pressure and drain fluid.
With PET, the tube malfunctions and stays open even when it doesn’t need to.
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This article discusses patulous eustachian tube.
It explains the symptoms and causes of this eustachian tube dysfunction.
It also explores treatments for PET and how drinking enough water may relieve symptoms.
Patulous eustachian tube and superior semicircular canal dehiscence have similar symptoms and must be diagnosed by an otolaryngologist.
However the do not occur simultaneously.
What Causes a Patulous Eustachian Tube?
The causes of PET are what medical professionals callidiopathic, meaning they are of an unknown origin.
You may find that sniffing or lowering your head can cause some temporary relief of autophony.
Summary
Patulous eustachian tube (PET) triggers when the eustachian tube remains open.
You may not know you have it unless you are experiencing some red-flag symptoms.
Of the three, the latter is the hallmark symptom of PET.
Many physicians turn to noninvasive treatments first.
These usually involve proper hydration in some form.
The most common invasive treatment involves the placement of a tympanostomy tube in the ear.
It holds the ear open, provides ventilation, and allows excess fluids in the ear to drain.
However, this procedure is effective only about half the time.
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Johns Hopkins Medicine.Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.
Department of Health & Human Services: Office of Orphan Products Development.Patul-End orphan drug designation approval letter.
