Health Encyclopedia

Eustachian tube patency

Definition

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.

Review Date:1/5/2009
Reviewed By:Reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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