What is the Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation Recovery Time?

If you’re wondering what the Eustachian tube balloon dilation recovery time is, then you’ll be happy to know that it’s fairly quick! In fact, you can expect to return to most of your normal activities within 24 hours. While there are certain activities you’ll want to avoid for a few weeks, life can resume as it was pre-procedure — with less pressure in your middle ear, of course!

But what can you expect before, during, and after balloon dilation? Let’s take a few moments to cover the Eustachian tube balloon dilation recovery time, as well as discuss post-op tips, success rates, and long-term expectations.

Still learning about Eustachian tube dysfunction? Check out the following resources before reading the rest of this article:

• What is Eustachian tube dysfunction?
• Eustachian tube dysfunction treatments
• How to fix eustachian tube dysfunction

What happens after Eustachian tube balloon dilation?

The purpose of Eustachian tube balloon dilation is to unclog your Eustachian tube and to prevent issues such as ear pain, pressure, and clogging. The procedure itself is rather simple. After receiving local anesthesia, a balloon is inserted into the Eustachian tube and inflated. This procedure opens up the pathway, restoring drainage and relieving pressure in the process. 

Eustachian tube balloon dilation benefits include everything from how safe and quick the procedure is (around 3 minutes to complete) to its effectiveness. But what happens after Eustachian tube dilation? Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions:

How long does Eustachian tube dilation last?

Although the procedure itself is still relatively new, most patients report experiencing long-lasting results. If you’re wondering, more specifically, “What is the Eustachian tube dilation success rate?”, then you can rest easy knowing that the success is around 90% at Kaplan Sinus Relief. 

According to industry studies, the success rate amongst children varies between 63% and 92% (with a follow-up appointment anywhere between the 3 to 12 month mark), and clinical trials have found that 87% of adults experience lasting improvements at 7 months.

What is the Eustachian tube balloon dilation recovery time?

As we mentioned earlier, the recovery time isn’t long. You can expect to resume most of your daily activities within 24 hours of the procedure. However, you may need to wait a few weeks before resuming more intensive activities, such as exercising. Here are some additional post-op instructions for Eustachian tube balloon dilation:

• Minimal bleeding, pain, and soreness are normal. If you experience anything outside of these mild symptoms, please contact your doctor.
• A day of rest post-procedure is recommended. You can return to work after this resting period.
• Use saline rinse per your doctor’s guidance (usually recommended twice per day).
• OTC pain relievers are usually okay to take post-procedure, but you should still speak with your doctor before taking anything.
• Avoid intensive exercise for at least 1-2 weeks (this includes activities similar to exercising such as lifting heavy objects).
• Do not pop your ears for at least 1 week.

What are the pros and cons of Eustachian tube dilation?

The pros of Eustachian tube balloon dilation include:

• Painless: There is no cutting or removal of bone required. And since patients receive local anesthesia before undergoing the procedure, the whole experience is pretty painless.
• Quick: The entire procedure takes around 3 minutes! Yup, you read that right. In 3 minutes, you can expect to find long-lasting results from Eustachian tube dysfunction.
• Effective: We touched on it earlier, but it’s worth mentioning again — around 90% of our patients experience long-lasting results with Eustachian tube balloon dilation. You can’t beat a 3-minute procedure with a 90% success rate.
• Safe: Once again, there is no cutting or removal of bone required during this procedure. All we do is insert and inflate a balloon, and because of this, Eustachian tube balloon dilation is extremely safe and complications post-procedure are typically unheard of.

The cons of Eustachian tube balloon dilation include:

There are none! For the vast majority of patients, this procedure is an extremely quick and effective remedy to an extremely uncomfortable ailment. Patients experience minimal discomfort and the Eustachian tube balloon dilation recovery time is very short. 

Ready to get started with Eustachian tube balloon dilation?

Don’t allow Eustachian tube dysfunction to mess with your quality of life. Eustachian tube balloon dilation can provide lasting relief and help you feel healthier and happier in the process. And with Eustachian tube balloon dilation recovery time being so short, you can move on with your life and get back to the things you love quickly. 

If you’re ready to start receiving the lasting benefits of Eustachian tube balloon dilation, call Kaplan Sinus Relief today at 713-766-1818 or request an appointment online today. 

More Helpful Articles by Kaplan Sinus Relief:

• What is Balloon Sinuplasty? 
• What are the Symptoms of a Sinus Infection? 
• Can a Sinus Infection Make You Cough? 
• Can You Have a Sinus Infection Without a Fever? 
• Balloon Sinuplasty Recovery Tips