@redhead63, Whenever I hear of someone with eustachian problems I want to share my experience in the hope that perhaps someone else will benefit. Not one of us has the same problems but maybe my tale will help in some way. Oh, if only I can make it short! Over many years of my adult life I believe I have seen 16 different ENTs and had 40 tubes and 3 major surgeries, all right ear only. The very best are those who say, 'I don't have the answers but I will find out." Right now I have the best and am thankful. Keep looking until you can find an ENT you can partner with and make progress. Only my last 3 doctors discovered my problem was multiple spinal fluid leaks that settled in my right ear. I started getting answers when I was referred to neuro-otology. You may have fluid in your ears and if so, what is it? It's source and origin are important. My right eustachian tube was surgerically blocked 13 years ago and I haven't needed another tube! I wish you the very best. I don't know anything about balloons. Sounds interesting.