Eustachian Tubes Dysfunctions
The Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear with the posterior portion of the nose. They provide aeration, air pressure balance and drainage to the middle ear. Dysfunction of their opening may be due to allergies, atypical swallowing with tongue thrust, anatomical defects of the soft palate or TMJ disorders. Restricted maxilla.
OMT
HELPS
The orthodontist will provide palatal expansion and orthodontic treatment before retraining the tongue to be a natural retainer for the new palatal shape, while eliminating oral habits that could cause orthodontic relapse. Further referrals for an allergist and ENT may be also needed to address the causes of insufficient nasal breathing.
IF NOT
TREATED
Eustachian tubes dysfunctions may lead to acute or chronic otitis media, earache, vestibular symptoms, delays in speech acquisition in young children and comprehension difficulties.
26. Eustachian Tubes
–D’Alatri L, Picciotti PM, Marchese MR, Fiorita A. Alternative treatment for otitis media with e usion: eustachian tube rehabilitation. Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2012 Feb;32(1):26-30.
–Ralli G, Ruoppolo G, Mora R, Guastini L. Deleterious sucking habits and atypical swallowing in children with otitis media with e usion. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 2011; 75:1260–1264. doi:10.1016/j. ijporl.2011.07.002
–Mew JR & Meredith GW. Middle ear e usion: an orthodontic perspective. Journal of Laryngology and Otology 1992; Jan;106(1):7-13.