Abstract
The development of minimally invasive procedures such as the balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty (BET) is an alternative to the grommet tympanum membrane. BET is applied in the cases where, after elimination of all factors influencing the ET and middle ear functioning, no sufficient improvement is observed. The aim of this study was to present the therapeutic benefits of the BET method in the treatment of ETD caused by disorders in the middle ear ventilation. The BET procedure was offered to four patients (3 men and 1 woman) after subjective, physical, otorhinolaryngological and audiometric examinations including pure tone audiometry, tympanometry and pressure-swallow test. As the method was novel, preinterventional CT angiography of the carotid arteries was performed in all patients. Any complications were noticed during and after the procedure (bleeding or damage of regional mucosa) in any patients. Our clinical studies assessed the feasibility and safety of the BET during a short-term period—only a 6-week observation. Although patients revealed a significant improvement of ET score, longer long-term studies are necessary to determine whether this method will demonstrate lasting benefits and safety in the treatment of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction. In other investigations, improvement was found to be time dependent.
Highlights
Hearing and its dysfunctions irrespective of their causes determine the quality of life
balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty (BET) is applied in the cases where, after elimination of all factors influencing the Eustachian tube (ET) and middle ear functioning, no sufficient improvement is observed
The aim of this study was to present the therapeutic benefits of the BET method in the treatment of Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) caused by disorders in the middle ear ventilation
Summary
Hearing and its dysfunctions irrespective of their causes determine the quality of life. Even a slight hearing loss, feeling of blocking or check-a-block in the ear provide discomfort independent of the reasons for the disorders. They may be presbyacousis, chronic inflammation, proliferative process or posttrauma changes. One of the elements important in the process of hearing is the proper functioning of the Eustachian tube (ET). The Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) often co-exists with a subjective feeling of hearing loss. That we know anatomopathological causal of ETD, the diagnosis and treatment are persistent and laborious
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