Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a disorder where pressure abnormalities in the middle ear result in symptoms. Signs and symptoms
Symptoms include aural fullness, ears popping, a feeling of pressure in the affected ear(s), a feeling that the affected ear(s) is clogged, crackling, ear pain, tinnitus, autophony, and muffled hearing. Diagnosis
While Eustachian tube dysfunction can be hard to diagnose, due to the Eustachian tubes and the nasopharynx not being easily visible, usually a tympanometry is indicated, along with findings on an otoscopy. For cases of baro-challenge induced Eustachian tube dysfunction, diagnosis usually relies on the history of the patient and their reported symptoms, as otoscopy and tympanometry is sometimes normal at normal ambient pressure. Opening pressure has been proposed as a method for preoperative and intraoperative evaluation of any obstructive process within the Eustachian tube. As well, Valasalva CT scanning using advanced 64 slice  or higher machines has been proposed as a way of diagnosing and localizing anatomic obstruction within the Eustachian tube. Types
Four subtypes have been described:
Anatomic obstruction within the proximal cartilaginous eustachian tube. Dilatory Eustachian tube dysfunction: Functional, dynamic (muscle failure), or anatomical obstruction of the Eustachian tube
Baro-challenge induced Eustachian tube dysfunction: Eustachian tube dysfunction which generally features a normal otoscopy and normal tympanometry
Patulous Eustachian tube dysfunction

Causes
Eustachian tube dysfunction can be caused by a number of factors. Some common causes include the flu, allergies, a cold, and sinus infections.
The catheter stays in place for 2 to 4 weeks, draining the fluid and causing a normal gland opening to form, after which the catheter is removed. The catheters do not generally impede normal activity, but sexual intercourse is generally abstained from while the catheter is in place.Cysts may also be opened permanently, a procedure called marsupialization, which involves opening the gland through an incision to ensure that the secretion channel remains open. If a cyst is infected, it may break open and start to heal on its own after 3 to 4 days. Nonprescription pain medication such as ibuprofen relieves pain, and a sitz bath may increase comfort and reduce pain. Warm compresses can also speed up healing. If a Bartholin gland abscess comes back several times, the gland and duct can be surgically removed. Prognosis
While Bartholin cysts can be quite painful, they are not life-threatening. New cysts cannot absolutely be prevented from forming, but surgical or laser removal of a cyst makes it less likely that a new one will form at the same site. Those with a cyst are more likely than those without a cyst to get one in the future. They can recur every few years or more frequently. Many women who have marsupialization done find that the recurrences may slow, but do not actually stop. Epidemiology
Two percent of women will have a Bartholins gland cyst at some point in their lives.