Auditory issues? Read to find out the vitamins for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

It’s your ears – so let’s get to the facts first! Though you may think that the crackling sound in your ear is the first step toward bursting your eardrums, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction is a condition affecting a mere 1% of the global adult population and 40% – of the children. Also – it is treatable, and people with disorders in their middle ear, especially those undergoing tympanoplasty, are prone to this. Note that – there are specific vitamins for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction that help heal the condition at the earliest.

If you have been diagnosed with such, or the symptoms (blocked ear, fullness and pressure in ears, a limited hearing loss) somewhat matches the description of this dysfunction, and you are reading through to cross-check – this post is for you! As you navigate this digital walkthrough, you will get clarity on the same and surely some more!

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction – Understand first

Precisely – this is a condition where the tubes which connect the upper throat to the middle ear become blocked (due to multiple reasons elaborated later). Therefore – there is a sense of increased pressure in the ears and also a sense of fullness. This condition resolves itself in a couple of days – if it does not – medical help is required.

Vitamins for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction – Eat well

If you are suffering from Eustachian Tube Dysfunction – the first vitamins that will help alleviate this issue are – Vitamin A, C, and E.

1. Vitamin A – There is scientific evidence that the lack of this vitamin in the body can increase the severity of ear-related infections. Apart from the common issues associated with the lack of this vitamin, you must know that – in gestational periods as well – maternal Vitamin A deficiency can harm the concerned fetus and cause a certain amount of – sensorineural hearing loss. This is one of the key vitamins for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.

Surprisingly, in developing countries, this vitamin deficiency has almost become endemic.

#The sources of Vitamin A are – butter, eggs, broccoli, pumpkin, cheese, apricots, spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes, to name a few. 

2. Vitamin C – One of the water-soluble vitamins, this is a necessary supplement not just for maintaining ear health but also to ensure its benefits affect other body parts. In the case of auditory factors especially, this becomes important since it ensures keeping mucous in the fluid form. Ears have their own cleaning mechanism; therefore, when the mucous is fluid, the cleaning becomes easier internally and externally. The issue arises when the mucous is hardened and, therefore, causes excessive pressure in the ear – making it another of the vitamins for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.

#The recommended amount for adults is in the range of 75 to 90mg and is available in both food products and supplements. Multiple Vitamin C capsules are there, and apart from that, it is also found in – Citrus fruits, strawberries, and guavas. Most regular vegetables provide Vitamin C content for the body. 

3. Vitamin E – It is no news that free radicals cause internal damage to the ear cells. The vitamins mentioned above, along with this one, inhibit the production of free radicals and protect the ear’s health – preventing conditions such as Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.

#The sources of this vitamin are primarily – seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, and almonds). Apart from that – olive oil, a variety of green vegetables, and mangoes make up for the lack of this. 

Now – what is to be noted is – apart from the antioxidant vitamins (which ensure reduction in free radicals) that are mentioned above – some minerals such as – zinc, magnesium, potassium, and both folic and omega 3 fatty acids are equally essential to deal with this ETD condition.

#For the record – not every such condition of the fullness of ears is diagnosed as ETD. It is curable, and the abovementioned vitamins for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction can sincerely help with the issue. 

Remedies at home

Whether you have been diagnosed or awaiting results – here are some remedies that can assist you with the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction condition –

• Consuming substances with extracts of Ascorbic Acid is one of the essential remedies, along with the recommended vitamins for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.

• Both lemon tea and ginger tea are beneficial when it comes to dealing with ear issues. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties and lemon’s immunity-boosting quality is beneficial for this condition and, overall, any health issues.

 

• Using both – a humidifier, as well as steam-breathing are beneficial when it comes to dealing with ETD.

 

• Eucalyptus oil is of great help in this scenario. You will have to massage the outer area of the ears with this essential oil and then steam the towel to cover the head. Also – you can put 4-5 drops of eucalyptus oil in hot water and take steam. This also alleviates the pressure built-up in the ears.

What if it is pretty severe?

ETD is a condition – that, surprisingly, is self-healing and would become alright in a couple of days. However – there are times it could get pretty severe. There’s nothing to be scared of, and when you consult a professional, they will update you on the details. However, it is always nice to be prepared –

The most common medications, apart from the usual vitamins for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, are – antihistamines/ ibuprofen and corticosteroids. In case the condition has turned chronic and requires surgical intrusion – the alternatives are –

• Myringotomy involves – an eardrum incision to remove the fluid from the middle part of the ear.

 

• Eustachian tuboplasty – involves the expansion of Eustachian tubes with balloons.

 

• Pressure equalization tubes – involve ventilating the middle part of the ear for considerable duration (primarily 1-year time limit).

Rest assured – with these in tow; you will be in a better place ear-wise within a specific period.

Some quickies on ETD

You have got the list of vitamins for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. Now it is time for some random facts on ETD –

• If you have undergone surgery for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction – you will have to wait for upto 4 weeks maximum to recover completely. However – those who have undergone tuboplasty – can recover in 24 hours maximum.

 

• Though it is not a medical scenario you need to be concerned about – prevention is always better than cure. If you are prone to airplane ears, you will need a new set of plugs. Also, avoid extreme temperatures and cover your ears if exposed. Also – have plenty of water and fluids to ensure that you have a thin mucus.

 

• If the symptoms go away in a week or two – you may still have some lingering symptoms for up to a month and a half. Be cautious of the same.

A better understanding of the details will help approach the problem and resolve it precisely.

Wrapping up

Now that you have in-hand information on the vitamins for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, you should take care of your ears and consume the same. Also, make sure that you take care of your ear via the home remedies that have been suggested. Also, even if you have read this article and the concerning symptoms mentioned match your condition, you should consult an ENT professional soon.