ACCLARENT AERA® Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation

What is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)?

The Eustachian tube is a narrow tube linked to the middle ear. It is normally closed but opens when we swallow, yawn, or chew.¹ As the Eustachian tube opens and closes, it regulates pressure in the ear. ETD is the failure of the valve of the Eustachian tube to open and/or close properly.² ETD can cause pressure and pain in the ears, a feeling of fullness or that your ears are clogged or “under water,” or your hearing to feel muffled. Crackling or popping sounds or ringing in the ears are also common symptoms of ETD.

What are the causes of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)?

When the lining of the Eustachian tube becomes swollen, this inflammation can narrow or block the tube, resulting in ETD or dysfunction of the tube.

Causes of ETD include:

• Onset of an infectious or inflammatory condition such as an upper respiratory tract infection.¹
• Allergic rhinitis or rhinosinusitis, leading to difficulties in pressure equalization, discomfort, and other symptoms. ¹
• Deviated nasal septum. ¹
• Dysfunction or failure of the muscles associated with Eustachian tube opening. ¹
• Other potential risk factors including tobacco smoke, reflux, and radiation exposure. ¹

Get Your Life Back

While symptoms of ETD can be mild and may resolve after a few days, persistent ETD (for more than 12 weeks) may not only cause discomfort and limit your hearing, but it can also keep you from enjoying life to its fullest.

The ACCLARENT AERA® Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation System is the first device in the U.S. indicated to treat persistent Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). Eustachian tube dilation is a minimally invasive procedure that inserts and inflates a small balloon in the Eustachian tube to open a narrow or clogged tube.

• Nonsurgical outpatient procedure with a short recovery time; no cuts or incisions required.
• More patients regained normal ear function than with medicine alone. ⁴
• Improvement in Quality of Life Scores compared to medical management alone. ⁴

Find Out If You Are a Candidate

To find out, download the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Patient Questionnaire. After you’ve filled out this survey, schedule an appointment with one of our ENT specialists with Quincy Medical Group’s Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) department to discuss the results and your specific symptoms.

ACCLARENT AERA® Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation System is intended for use by physicians who are trained on Acclarent Technology. Eustachian tube balloon dilation has associated risks, including tissue and mucosal trauma, infection, or possible carotid artery injury. Prior to use, it is important to read the Instructions for Use and to understand the contraindications, warnings, and precautions associated with these devices. Caution: Federal (U.S.) law restricts the sale, distribution, or use of these devices to, by, or on the order of a physician. Third party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners. This content is intended for audience within the U.S. only.

1. Llewellyn, A., Norman, G., Harden, M., Coatesworth, A., Kimberling, D., Schilder, A. and McDaid, C. (2014). Interventions for adult Eustachian tube dysfunction: a systematic review. HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT, 18; 1-180.

2. Grimmer, J.F., & Poe, D.S. (2005) Update on Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and the Patulous Eustachian Tube. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head and Heck Surg, 13: 277-282.

3. Randrup, T.S. & Ovesen, T. (2015) Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty: A Systematic Review. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 152(3); 383–392.

4. ACCLARENT AERA™ Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation System Instructions for Use. Irvine, CA: Acclarent, Inc.; 2016. IFU005146 Rev D.