Eustachian Tube Problems Center - Wichita Falls, TX
Wichita Falls Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor Doctors for Eustachian Tube ProblemsType of Physician: Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor What is a Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor? A certification by the Board of Otolaryngology; practitioners provide comprehensive medical and surgical care of patients with diseases and disorders that affect the ears, the respiratory and upper alimentary systems (nose, mouth and throat) and related structures. Specialty: Ear, Nose & Throat (Otolaryngology) Common Name: Ear, Nose, Throat Doctor Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor Doctors in Wichita Falls * Head & Neck Surgical Associates  Head & Neck Surgical Associates  Head & Neck Surgical Associates  Lakeshore ENT PA Wichita Falls, TexasUpcoming Local Events2012-06-10
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Eustachian Tube Problems (Problems Clearing Your Ears)Read the Eustachian Tube Problems (Problems Clearing Your Ears) article » What is the Eustachian tube?The Eustachian tube is a tube that originates in the back of the nose, runs a slightly uphill course, and ends in the middle ear space. The middle ear space is the hollowed out portion of the skull bone that contains the hearing apparatus and is covered on one side by the eardrum. In adults, the Eustachian tube is approximately 35 mm long (1.3 inches) and approximately 3 mm in diameter (less than 1/10 inch). Cartilage provides the supporting structure for the first two-thirds of the Eustachian tube, with the last third (the part closest to the middle ear space) being made of bone. The tissue that lines the Eustachian tube is similar to that inside the nasal cavity and may respond the same way (swelling) when presented with similar stimuli. The Eustachian tube was named in honor of the 16th century Italian anatomiast Eustachius. Sources credit Almaceon of Sparta as the first to describe the structure in approximately 400 BC.
What are the functions of the Eustachian tube?The primary function of the Eustachian tube is to ventilate the middle ear space, ensuring that its pressure remains at near normal ambient air pressure. The secondary function of the Eustachian tube is to drain any accumulated secretions, infection, or debris from the middle ear space. Several small muscles located in the back of the throat and palate control the opening and closing of the tube. Swallowing and yawning cause contractions of these muscles and help to regulate Eustachian tube function. If it were not for the Eustachian tube, the middle ear cavity would be an isolated air pocket inside the head that would be vulnerable to every change in air pressure and lead to an unhealthy ear. Normally, the Eustachian tube is closed, which helps prevent the inadvertent contamination of the middle ear space by the normal secretions found in the back of the nose. A dysfunctional E... Read the Eustachian Tube Problems (Problems Clearing Your Ears) article » Recommended Reading Related to Eustachian Tube Problems (Problems Clearing Your Ears)Allergy facts
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What does an allergy mean?An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. It is exaggerated because these f... Other Related Eustachian Tube Problems ArticlesEmergency Contact for Wichita Falls
Nearby Wichita Falls Hospitals *Red River Hospital & Behavioral Health Services Texas Specialty Hospital Wichita Falls United Regional Health Care System HEALTHSOUTH Wichita Falls Rehabilitation Hospital  North Texas State Hospital Wichita Falls Campus  Kell West Regional Hospital  Clay County Memorial Hospital  Electra Memorial Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
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