The Eustachian tube is the canal that connects the middle ear and the nasopharynx. It consists of two parts, bone and cartilage. The canal is lined with hair-like tissue that helps move middle ear secretions to the nasopharyngeal area, and several muscles control the opening and closing of the canal to perform its function. The Eustachian tube normally remains closed until the muscle is stimulated to contract and open the tube. Opening can be stimulated by yawning, swallowing, and sneezing