My ears have been popping like crazy.  I've had a nasty cough for the last week which has led to a buildup of mucous and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD).  You may not know what ETD is but I'm certain most people have experienced the sensation of their ears "popping" or "clicking" at least once during their lifetime.  Have you ever flown in an airplane or driving in a car up a steep heel?  If you have, did you feel a "pop" in your ear?  That's your Eustachian tube doing its job!

The Eustachian tube is a small channel that connects the throat to the middle ear.  The purpose is to control the pressure in the middle ear space.  Sneezing, yawning, and swallowing all cause the Eustachian tube to open and let air in/out.  Unfortunately, this leads the tube susceptible to becoming plugged by mucous and other fluids.  ETD often occurs when a person is sick with a cold or suffering from allergies.  

When the Eustachian tube is not working correctly, you may complain that...

• your ears feel plugged or full
• sounds are muffled
• you feel a popping or clicking (Fun fact: I used to tell my mother that the bubbles were back whenever I had middle ear problems)
• you feel pain
• you hear a noise, such as a ringing or hum
• you feel off-balance

Make an appointment to see your doctor if you feel you may be experiencing ETD.