Management of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction with balloon dilatation - Cochrane review 2025

A Cochrane Review—conducted by an independent panel of experts to synthesise the highest-quality medical evidence—recently evaluated balloon dilatation of the Eustachian tube (BET), and I served as one of the authors. Obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction can lead to symptoms such as persistent ear blockage, pressure, muffled hearing, and intermittent crackling, which understandably impact daily comfort and quality of life. The review found that BET may offer short-term improvement in these symptoms, with some objective tests also showing early gains. However, longer-term outcomes remain uncertain, and the existing studies were relatively small and methodologically limited. No serious complications were reported within the trials, though broader real-world safety data are still needed. I provide BET as one of several management options where appropriate, guided by a careful assessment of each patient’s individual presentation.