What Is an Ear Infection?
2. Eustachian Tubes
Inside our ears are narrow tubes that run from the back of the throat to the middle ear. These tubes are known as the Eustachian tubes. They serve a handful of purposes, including helping to drain secretions, and regulating the air pressure in the inner ear. If these tubes become blocked then they can become infected.
Close to the opening of the Eustachian tubes are the adenoids. These are small masses of tissues that are basically the same thing as tonsils. If the adenoids become inflamed then they can end up blocking the Eustachian tubes. This will be the underlying cause of an ear infection in some cases.
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