Analysis of sniffing test in otitis media with effusion

Abstract

To explore the roles of the closure disorder of Eustachian tube in occurrence and development of otitis media with effusion (OME). Fifty-six adults with OME, 16 children with OME, 66 health adults and 20 health children were selected according to diagnosis criteria. Sniffing test was measured by Tubo-tymanoaerodynamic graphy and the self-designed questionnaires were surveyed in all cases. The positive levels in sniffing test were regarded as external auditory canal press 10dapa lower than baseline of the pressure. The positive rate was 64.86% in adults with OME, which was higher than health adults (P < 0.01). The positive rate was 70.83% in children with OME which was higher than health children (P < 0.05). The higher positive rate of sniff test in OME patients suggests that closure disorder in Eustachian tube playing an important role in the occurrence and development of OME.