eustachian tube
noun
eu·sta·chian tube
yü-ˈstā-sh(ē-)ən- 
also -ˈstā-kē-ən-
variants
often Eustachian tube
: a bony and cartilaginous tube connecting the middle ear with the nasopharynx and equalizing air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane
called also auditory tube
see ear illustrationExamples of eustachian tube in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But there are also lingual tonsils (base of the tongue), tubal (around the opening of the Eustachian tube in the nasopharynx (upper part of cavity behind nose and mouth) and adenoid (high up in throat behind nose).
—
Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026
The most common mechanism involves the Eustachian tube - the narrow canal that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Eustachian tubes connect the middle ears to the back of the nose and throat, and help equalize air pressure inside the ears.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 3 Sep. 2025
When our ears pop, the sensation comes from the Eustachian tube.
—Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Popular Science, 16 July 2025
Causes include: Eustachian tube blockage: Fluid can accumulate within the middle ear, such as when a person has a cold or allergies.
—Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 3 July 2025
Nasal allergies can feel like an ear infection when inflammation causes pressure to build up in your Eustachian tubes.
—Sarah Hudgens, Health, 9 May 2025
That inflammation then causes the Eustachian tube to become clogged, inhibiting it from opening and closing properly.
—Blane Bachelor, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2024
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Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026
The most common mechanism involves the Eustachian tube - the narrow canal that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Eustachian tubes connect the middle ears to the back of the nose and throat, and help equalize air pressure inside the ears.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 3 Sep. 2025
When our ears pop, the sensation comes from the Eustachian tube.
—Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Popular Science, 16 July 2025
Causes include: Eustachian tube blockage: Fluid can accumulate within the middle ear, such as when a person has a cold or allergies.
—Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 3 July 2025
Nasal allergies can feel like an ear infection when inflammation causes pressure to build up in your Eustachian tubes.
—Sarah Hudgens, Health, 9 May 2025
That inflammation then causes the Eustachian tube to become clogged, inhibiting it from opening and closing properly.
—Blane Bachelor, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Eustachian tube.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eustachian%20tube. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
eustachian tube
noun
eu·sta·chian tube
yu̇-ˌstā-sh(ē)ən-
-ˌstā-kē-ən-
often capitalized E
: a tube connecting the middle ear with the upper pharynx and equalizing air pressure on both sides of the eardrum
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