MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Eustachian tube patency

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Eustachian tube patency

Contents of this page:
Illustrations	Definition

Illustrations

Ear anatomy

Eustachian tube anatomy

Definition Return to top

Eustachian tube patency refers to how much the eustachian tube is open. The eustachian tube runs between the middle ear and the throat. This tube controls the pressure behind the eardrum and middle ear space.

Patency is the normal state of the eustachian tube. Ear infections or altitude changes can increase pressure in the ear, causing the eustachian tube to become blocked.

Update Date: 1/5/2009

Updated by: Reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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