Sonotubometry Findings in Patients with combined airway disease with and without Associated Eosinophilic Otitis Media

Abstract

Background: Active opening of the eustachian tube is accomplished by contraction of the paratubal muscles. Disturbance of any of the ET functions may contribute to the development of otitis media (OM) with effusionand other middle ear diseases. Sonotubometry seems to be the most "physiologic"method for assessment of ET function and has the advantage that it can be performed on earswith an intact tympanic membrane and without the use of a pressurechamber. The aim of this study was to compare the Eustachian tube function using sonotubometry in patients with combined airway disease associated with Eosinophilic otitis media with that having combined airway disease without otitis media. Patients and methods: This study was applied on 45 patients divided into 3 groups each of 15. 1st group is the control group, 2nd group patients with combined airway disease without Eosinophilic otitis media, 3rd group patients with combined airway disease associated with Eosinophilic otitis media. Results: Our results explains that the tubal opening durations were significantly longer in patients of EOM group than in patients with combined airway disease without EOM group and also the normal control group. Conclusion: Sonotubometry can be performed in patients with or without an intact tympanic membrane and under physiological conditions. Sonotubometry is also inexpensive, painless, and easy to perform in both adults and children. Therefore, it has great potential value as a diagnostic tool for individuals with suspected ET disease.