Evaluation Of Eustachian Tube Function Research Articles

Evaluation of Eustachian Tube Function in the Early Postoperative Period after Endoscopic Radiofrequency Adenoidectomy in Children

Evaluation of Eustachian Tube Function in the Early Postoperative Period after Endoscopic Radiofrequency Adenoidectomy in Children

Role of preoperative tympanometric evaluation of eustachian tube in patients undergoing type-1 tympanoplasty for chronic otitis media

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> A dysfunctional eustachian tube can cause failure of middle ear pressure regulation which leads to chronic otitis media and tympanoplasty failure. The functional status of eustachian tube can non-invasively be assessed prior to tympanoplasty by impedence audiometry. This help to predict the outcome of the procedure as well as aid surgeons to plan the surgery accordingly. The aim of the study was to determine the role of pre-operative tympanometric evaluation of eustachian tube function in patients with chronic otitis media.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This study was conducted on 42 patients with chronic otitis media underwent type-1 tympanoplasty in department of otorhinolaryngology, Government Medical College, Kottayam over a period of one year. Detailed history, clinical and audiological evaluation done. Type-1 tympanoplasty performed and reassessed after 3 months. Data compiled and analysed using SPSS.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Intra-operative findings were similar to the audiometric results. Majority of patients with dysfunctional eustachian tube got a non-satisfactory hearing outcome compared to patients with good eustachian tube function, and this comparison is statistically significant with p value 0.006. The graft uptake in patients with dysfunctional eustachian tube is poor compared to patients with good eustachian tube function, which is statistically significant with p value 0.013.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Impedence audiometer can very reliably assess and ascertain eustachian tube dysfunction pre-operatively. The outcome of type-1 tympanoplasty in patients with eustachian tube dysfunction is uniformly poor. Better outcome probably would be gained by using more resilient materials like cartilage.</p>

Evaluation of Eustachian tube function in children with adenoid hypertrophy by nasopharyngeal digital photography and ETDQ-7 scores

Objective:To evaluate the Eustachian tube function of children with simple adenoid hypertrophy and adenoid hypertrophy with secretory otitis media（OME） by using the A/N value of lateral radiograph of nasopharyngeal X-ray and EDQ-7 scale scores. Methods:Sixty cases of children with adenoid hypertrophy admitted from February 2019 to August 2021 were all underwent nasopharyngeal X-ray lateral radiographs to determine the adenoid/nasopharyngeal cavity ratio（A/N ratio） and then determine the size of adenoids. The Eustachian tube function ETDQ-7 survey was used to evaluate the patient's self-evaluation of the severity of the disease and ear symptoms, and the degree of influence were scored. Subsequently, the correlation between adenoid hypertrophy with OME and ETDQ-7 scores was statistically analyzed by using the Spearman rank correlation statistical method. Results:In adenoid hypertrophy with OME group, the ETDQ-7 scores of A/N≤0.60, A/N 0.61-0.70 and A/N≥0.71 were 4.15±1.75, 14.55±6.67 and 23.95±6.63, respectively. The higher the grade of adenoid hypertrophy, the higher the ETDQ-7 scores. In adenoid hypertrophy with OME group, the degree of adenoid hypertrophy was positively correlated with the ETDQ-7 scores（P<0.05）. Conclusion:Adenoid hypertrophy is also one of the potential factors causing OME in children.

Evaluation of Eustachian tube function in patients of cleft palate and effects of palatoplasty on these findings

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Isolated cleft palate and cleft palate and cleft lip patients have poor Eustachian tube function which results in hearing impairment that too in the speech formative years. Aim of study was to evaluate tympanometric findings in patient of cleft palate and effect of palatoplasty on both short term and long term postoperatively.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; The subjects consisted of patients attending the cleft lip and palate clinic. This was a combined clinic consisting of department of plastic surgery, department of ENT and department of dental surgery held every month at a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. Study consisted of three groups of patients namely preoperative group, postoperative group and pre-postoperative group.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; No significant difference was observed in tympanometric abnormalities in cases of combined cleft lip and palate as compared to isolated cleft palate. After age of 5 months once changes of OME has set in there was no significant change in middle ear findings irrespective of palatal repair.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; There is a very high prevalence of otitis media with effusion in these patients. The changes do resolve spontaneously after age of seven, this perhaps is due to combined effect, growth, development and l maturity of Eustachian tube and palatal surgery rather than palatal surgery alone.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

Evaluation of Eustachian Tube Function on Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media

Introduction: Many literatures reported that poor aeration in the middle ear due to Eustachian tubedysfunction is an important factor that plays a role in causing acute and chronic otitis media.Objective: To assess Eustachian tube function (ETF) and to confirm Eustachian tube condition duringsurgery on chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) patients.Method: This study employed a prospective design, in which participants were examined for ETF beforeand after surgery. The examination used Toynbee’s procedure with impedance audiometry. The examinationresults were analysed using Pearson’s product-moment test with p &lt; 0.05.Results: The average patient’s age was 36.27 ± 5.98 years, with an age range of 12 to 67 years. Mostparticipants had no cholesteatoma (59.89%), perforation (50.00%), and experienced conductive hearing loss(54.54%). There was no significant difference between ETF and Eustachian tube during surgery (p = 0.439).Conclusion: This study reported that most CSOM patient had total impaired ETF with open Eustachiantube.

Author’s Reply to Letters to the Editor: “A comparison of endoscopic transtympanic myringoplasty and endoscopic type I tympanoplasty for repairing medium- to large-sized tympanic membrane perforation: a randomized clinical trial”

Atchariyasathian V, Suwannajak R, Plodpai Y, Pitathawatchai P (2020) A comparison of endoscopic transtympanic myringoplasty and endoscopic type I tympanoplasty for repairing medium- to large-sized tympanic membrane perforation: a randomized clinical trial. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 277:2199–2207 Article Google Scholar Celik H, Samim E, Oztuna D (2015) Endoscopic "push-trough" technique cartilage myringoplasty in anterior tympanic membrane perforations. ClinExpOtorhinolaryngol 8:224–229 Google Scholar El-Hennawi DEM, Ahmed MR, Abou-Halawa AS, Al-Hamtary MA (2018) Endoscopic push-through technique compared to microscopic underlay myringoplasty in anterior tympanic membrane perforations. J LaryngolOtol 132:509–513 CAS Article Google Scholar Abhinav S, Chander M, Arjun S (2014) How relevant is eustachian tube function in surgical outcome of tympanoplasty? J Evol Med Dent Sci 3:1855–1858 Google Scholar Priya K, Karthikeyan P, Coumare VN, Sambandan AP (2012) Evaluation of Eustachian tube function in chronic suppurative otitis media (tubotympanic type) with reference to its treatment outcome. Indian J Otol 18:179–183 Article Google Scholar Download references Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand Viraporn Atchariyasathian, Rata Suwannajak, Yuvatiya Plodpai & Pittayapon Pitathawatchai You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar Correspondence to Viraporn Atchariyasathian. Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Reprints and Permissions Atchariyasathian, V., Suwannajak, R., Plodpai, Y. et al. Author’s Reply to Letters to the Editor: “A comparison of endoscopic transtympanic myringoplasty and endoscopic type I tympanoplasty for repairing medium- to large-sized tympanic membrane perforation: a randomized clinical trial”. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-020-06376-y Download citation Received: 07 September 2020 Accepted: 12 September 2020 Published: 23 September 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-020-06376-y

Evaluation of Eustachian Tube Function in Cases of Chronic Otitis Media by Dynamic Slow Motion Videoendoscopy and Impedance Audiometry.

Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction is known to be a cause for various middle ear diseases. Dynamic slow motion videoendoscopy (DSVE) and impedance audiometry (IA) can both be employed to evaluate ET dysfunction. To assess the role of DSVE and IA for diagnosing ET dysfunction in cases of middle ear disorders. It is a prospective case control study. 102 ears with chronic otitis media were taken as cases and 102 healthy ears as controls. IA and DSVE were performed to assess ET function in both the groups. Sensitivity/ specificity of both the diagnostic tests were evaluated in case and control groups. Out of 102 ET of case group exposed to both tests, 87 were found to have ET dysfunction by DSVE and 80 by IA. Among 102 ET of control group 78 were identified as normal by DSVE while 87 by IA. On applying chi square test in both these groups, the associations were significant. (p value < 0.0001). Patients with grade 2B or higher on DSVE endoscopy had abnormal IA findings, indicating that higher the grade on DSVE, higher the chance of abnormal IA. DSVE and IA are potentially useful tools in evaluation of cases of COM and which provide information regarding functional and pathological factors responsible for ET dysfunction.

Evaluation of eustachian tube function in chronic suppurative otitis media with reference to its treatment outcome

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; The study was undertaken to find out Eustachian tube function in safe type of chronic suppurative otitis media and to study the comparison of graft uptake in normal, partially impaired and grossly impaired Eustachian tube function in safe type of chronic suppurative otitis media.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; The present prospective study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck surgery, Sri Maharaja Gulab Singh Hospital, Jammu during the period from November 2016 to October 2017. Patients were diagnosed clinically and also audiometrically by pure tone audiometry and impedance audiometry. Eustachian tube function test- Toynbee test was done in all the patients. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Out of 20 patients with normal Eustachian tube function, 19(95%) showed graft uptake. Out of 20 patients with partially impaired Eustachian tube function, 18 (90%) showed graft uptake. Out of 20 patients with grossly impaired Eustachian tube functions 13 (65%) showed graft uptake. Comparison of mean values of pre and post- operative air-bone (AB) gap with respect to normal, partially impaired and grossly impaired Eustachian tube functions is highly significant statistically with (p&amp;lt;0.001).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; As seen in our study, functioning Eustachian tube is an important requirement for optimum outcome of myringoplasty. Testing the functions of Eustachian tube before surgery provides a possibility of predicting the possible outcome of myringoplasty or tymapanoplasty. This is also concluded that a partially functioning Eustachian tube should not be considered to be a contraindication to these surgeries as in many of these cases graft uptake and AB gap closure was good (90%).&lt;/p&gt;

Eustachian tube functional assessment among patients with CSOM undergoing tympanoplasty surgery

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Pre-operative test of eustachian tube (ET) function is important for achieving a satisfactory result of tympanoplasty for CSOM patients. The saccharin test and methylene blue test seems to provide adequate information of the mucociliary function and patency of the ET. The aim was to study the ventilatory and mucociliary function of Eustachian tube in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media planned for tympanoplasty surgery and to assess the success rate of tympanoplasty in relation to the Eustachian tube function&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A prospective longitudinal study was conducted for a period of one year. Patients aged more than 15 years with features of chronic suppurative otitis media of either tubotympanic type or atticoantral type were included in the study. The total number of study subjects included in our study was 82 patients with CSOM. The ventilatory and the mucociliary functions of the auditory tube were assessed preoperatively using saccharin test and methylene blue test. All patients with CSOM underwent tympanoplasty surgery and the outcome of the surgery was assessed. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The overall success rate of tympanoplasty surgery was 76.8%. It was observed in our study that the success rate of tympanoplasty was higher among patients with normal eustachian tube function.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Preoperative evaluation of eustachian tube function is mandatory for all the patients planned for tympanoplasty. Preoperative and intraoperative corrective measures should be taken in patients with partial and absent tubal function to improve the success rate of tympanoplasty surgeries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

Evaluation of Eustachian Tube Function in Mucosal Chronic Otitis Media: A Cost-Effective Method for Developing Countries

Abstract Background In the developing nations, the sinonasal region is routinely screened in chronic otitis media, but Eustachian tube is not as it is not cost-effective. Hence, we innovated an inexpensive device named Eustachian barotubometer. Materials and Methods A prospective case–control study was performed on ­mucosal type of chronic otitis media and traumatic tympanic perforation (100 cases each). Eustachian tube function was assessed by the Eustachian barotubometer (forced and physiological opening) and nasopharyngoscopy. Results Eustachian tube dysfunction was found to be five times higher in cases than controls. Both forced opening function and physiological opening function were ­poorer in cases than controls. However, the difference was statistically significant only in physiological opening function (p = 0.003). Among the cases with dysfunctional tubes, 86.7% were hypofunctional, whereas 13.3% were totally blocked. Conclusion Eustachian tube function was affected in 15% of cases of mucosal ­chronic otitis media as compared with controls in this study. This novel device could be ­conveniently used to help decide the right time to undertake middle ear surgery.

Tympanometric evaluation of Eustachian tube function in Polish scuba divers

Scuba divers are subjected to relatively high ambient pressures while descending. Equalizing maneuvers (e.g., Valsalva) are necessary to open the Eustachian tube (ET) and allow air into the middle ear (ME) cavity. Insufficient opening of the ET leads to ME barotrauma, which is the most common injury related to scuba diving. The study aims were to assess the incidence of ME barotrauma and to compare tympanometric parameters and stapedial reflexes in scuba divers and non-diving individuals. 60 scuba divers participated in the study; control consisted of 90 non-diving volunteers without a history of otolaryngologic problems. All participants were examined with the use of otoscopy and tympanometry with evaluation of ipsilateral stapedial reflexes. The group studied was surveyed regarding occurrence of ME barotrauma and diving competence. 51.7% of the divers experienced ME barotrauma, the most common symptoms being earache and hearing loss. Comparison of the group studied and control revealed significantly lower ME pressure and compliance in scuba divers. In scuba divers with ME barotrauma, longer time from injury correlates directly with greater ME pressure and compliance, indicating tissue recovery. At 4,000Hz 100dB percentage of present stapedial reflexes among scuba divers was significantly lower than in controls; moreover, a greater number of dives correlated inversely with percentage of present stapedial reflexes at 4000Hz 100dB. The reduced thresholds at high intensities suggest a negative effect of scuba diving on hearing. ME pressure and compliance, however still within the norm, are significantly lower in scuba divers than in non-diving healthy volunteers. This may be attributed to a subclinical form of barotrauma.

Role of Impedance Audiometry in Evaluation of Eustachian Tube Function and Its Correlation with Tympanoplasty Surgery Outcome: Our Experience

Role of Impedance Audiometry in Evaluation of Eustachian Tube Function and Its Correlation with Tympanoplasty Surgery Outcome: Our Experience

Using Tympanometry to Evaluate Middle Ear Function in Children and Adolescents with Signs of Peripheral Facial Nerve Palsy

Facial nerve is the seventh paired cranial nerve. The main trunk of CN VII consists of motor fibers and the intermediate nerve which is a part of CN VII has parasympathetic and sensory fibers. One of the branches of CN VII is the chorda tympani which may play a significant role in responses related to normal Eustachian tube function. Other branches of CN VII, such as the greater petrosal nerve and tympanic branch, have motor fibers that open the Eustachian tube, which connects the tympanic cavity with the nasopharynx. It is located at the base of the cranium and consists of bone and cartilage. To evaluate the Eustachian tube and middle ear function, impedance audiometry (IA) is used. It is specifically used in hearing organ evaluation in children. The impedance audiometry consists of tympanometry, registration of reflex from the stapedius muscle and evaluation of Eustachian tube function. Tympanometry is an examination, evaluating response of the tympanic membrane and related structures of the middle ear on artificially induced pressure changes in the external auditory meatus. The main aim of the article is to evaluate middle ear function in children and adolescents with peripheral facial nerve palsy using results obtained in tympanometry and comparing the values for pressure, amplitude, and tympanometric curve gradient between the side with CV VII palsy (affected side) and the opposite side (healthy side).

Usefulness of the Saccharin Test for Assessment of Eustachian Tube Function in Patients With Chronic Otitis Media With Perforation.

The eustachian tube (ET) has two important functions, ventilation and clearance of the middle ear. We evaluated the ET ventilator function by the sonotubometry and the inflation-deflation test that are widely used today, and the ET clearance function by the saccharin test. Results of both tests were compared with surgical outcomes, and assessed which test was more closely related to the surgical outcomes. Prospective case series. A single university hospital. One hundred four ears of 95 patients with chronic otitis media with perforation underwent type I tympanoplasty. Based on sonotubometry and the inflation-deflation test, the patients were divided into normal, stenosis, and patulous types. Based on the saccharin test, they were divided into a normal function group and a partial/gross dysfunction group. Surgical outcomes about the hearing results and the condition of the eardrum were assessed 1 year postoperatively. Preoperative evaluation of ET function was compared with the surgical outcome. Sonotubometry and inflation-deflation tests showed there was no significant difference among the groups about the hearing improvement and the surgical success rate. The saccharin test showed that the rate of the hearing improvement was significantly lower in the gross dysfunction group and that the success rate of Type I tympanoplasty was significantly higher in the normal group than in the dysfunction group. There is a relationship between the saccharin test results and surgical outcomes.

Evaluation of Eustachian Tube Function by Tympanometry in Patients of Deviated Nasal Septum and Sinonasal Polyposis

Objective : To study the effect of deviated nasal septum (DNS) and sinonasal polyposis (SNP) on eustachian tube(ET) function & whether the function would improve on septal correction and removal of polyp. Patients and Method : A prospective study of 45 subjects of DNS and 25 subjects of SNP. A detail history was taken including symptomatology, predisposing factors, treatment received. Thorough ENT examination was done after meeting all the inclusion and exclusion criteria, otomicroscopy nasal endoscopy and PTA was done whenever indicated. Tympanometry was performed in all cases using impedence audiometer prior to septal correction and removal of polyp and repeated 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Tympanogram was classified as described by Jerger in 1975, in clinical experience with impedence audiometry. Any improvement in tubal function was noted. In cases where tubal dysfunction persisted, otomicroscopy and nasal endoscopy was performed again to plan the further line of management. Result : Normal eustachian tube function was achieved in 75.55% after septal correction and 74% after polypectomy which was 51.11% and 56% respectively before surgery. Conclusion : This study suggest that chronic nasal obstruction due to deviated nasal septum and sinonasal polyposis is a frequent cause of ET dysfunction. Surgical correction significantly improve tubal function and middle ear ventilation.

Evaluation of Eustachian tube Function and Practical Physiology for Surgeons

Evaluation of Eustachian tube Function and Practical Physiology for Surgeons

Evaluation of Eustachian tube function in chronic suppurative otitis media (tubotympanic type) with reference to its treatment outcome

Aims and Objectives: To assess the eustachian tube function (ETF) and to evaluate the treatment outcome of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOMtubotympanic type) in relation to eustachian tube dysfunction. Materials and Methods: Prospective study for a period of 2 years; the study comprises of 100 patients diagnosed to have CSOM (tubotympanic type). ETF was assessed by Toynbee's test. Patients with normal ETF were taken up for myringoplasty. Patients with totally impaired ETF irrespective of middle ear mucosal status (dry or wet) were taken up for cortical mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty. Patients with partially impaired ETF, with dry middle ear mucosa were taken up for myringoplasty and those with wet middle ear were taken up for cortical mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty. Results and Analysis: The ETF in these patients was analyzed and graft uptake was assessed clinically in reference to ETF status. The results are tabulated and analyzed using Chi-square test using number cruncher statistical system (NCSS) software. In our study, preoperative ETF had a highly significant P value = 0.0005. Conclusion: Methodology of treatment adapted for CSOM patients based on ETF proves that the eustachian tube plays a major role in the uptake of graft.

Evaluation of Eustachian tube function with perfect sequences: technical realization and first clinical results

The aim of this study was the introduction of a specific class of signals, the so-called perfect sequences (PSEQ), in a novel approach for sonotubometry of the Eustachian tube (ET). Sonotubometry using PSEQ stimuli was performed on 20 healthy subjects in order to gauge its potential for clinical applications. In a series of 320 measurements ET opening was probed, which was induced by dry and water swallowing, Toynbee maneuver, and yawning. All sonotubograms were analyzed with respect to their shape, increase of sound intensity, and opening duration. In 298/320 measurements (>93%) the subjects reported subjective ET openings. The evaluation of the recorded sonotubograms showed good detection of ET opening for the inducing maneuvers of swallowing (dry and water swallowing) and the Toynbee maneuver, with 90, 86, and 80% valid sonotubograms, respectively. Yawning led to only 40% valid sonotubograms. In total, 237/320 (~74%) sonotubograms were classified as valid. The evaluation of the sound level increase during ET openings showed that it was significantly higher in measurements with dry and water swallowing, as well as Toynbee maneuvers (mean 17.1, 19.0 and 17.2 dB, respectively), than with yawning (mean 10.17 dB; P < 0.0001). Nasal decongestion was found to have little influence on the results (P > 0.05). Sonotubometry using PSEQ stimuli is a novel sonotubometry methodology that provides valuable information regarding the auditory tube patency. By further technical refinements of the method, a diagnostic tool with high sensitivity and specificity could be developed.

Clinical evaluation of Eustachian tube transience and function in patients with different types of increased nasal resistance

Eustachan tube is a connection between throat and the middle ear. Inflammatory processes and malformations of nasal cavity could lead to dysfunction of the whole upper respiratory tract, thas emphasizing the evaluation of the Eustachian tube function both in surgery and in medicine in general. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Eustachian tube passage and function by tympanometry in different types of nasal resistance. Eustachian tube passage and function was tested in 102 patients with different types of nasal pathology and nasal resistance and compared to the results of 41 healthy persons with normal values of nasal resistance included in the control group. The patients with nasal pathology were divided into three subgroups: with mechanical, inflammatory and mixed alterations. Nasal resistance was carried out with constant body plethysmography (Jaeger). The test of Eustachian tube passage and function was performed using tympanometric Toynbee-deglutition/Valsalva-deglutition test. The results of measurements were compared with those in the healthy control group and analyzed by means of parametric and nonparametric statistic tests, Pearson chi2 test, Fisher test of exact probability and variance analysis. The subgroup with inflammatory alterations had significantly higher values of pathological tympanograms than other subgroups and the control group (p < 0,05). The dysfunction of the Eustachian tube was significantly more present in all subgroups than in the control group (p < 0,05). Pathological form of tympanograms is more often present in purely inflammatory changes of nasal cavities with higher nasal resistance than in mechanical nasal obstruction. All forms of higher nasal resistance are more often accompanied with Eustachian tube dysfunction. There was no significant differences in Eustachian tube passage between the subgroups and the control group.

Pre-operative Evaluation of Eustachian Tube Function Using a Modified Pressure Equilibration Test is Predictive of Good Postoperative Hearing and Middle Ear Aeration in Type 1 Tympanoplasty Patients

ObjectivesThe Eustachian tube (ET) plays an important role in maintaining a normally aerated middle ear. Inflammation in middle ear disease is related to ET dysfunction, and postoperative restoration of middle ear integrity and hearing are closely related to ET function in chronic ear disease patients. After successful tympanoplasty, restoration of a well-aerated middle ear with good ET function can permit better compliance of the tympanic membrane. In this study, we evaluated the predictive validity of preoperative ET function measurements.MethodsWe reviewed 137 patients who underwent type 1 tympanoplasty. All patients had non-cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media and received canal wall-up-type tympanomastoidectomies. Patients were categorized into four groups according to preoperative ET function measurements using a modified pressure inflation-deflation equilibration test. Group I patients had residual pressures less than 10 daPa, and Group IV patients showed no pressure change (poor results). Groups II and III were intermediate. Hearing levels were determined using pure tone averages at four frequencies. Postoperative tympanography was performed to determine middle ear aeration.ResultsThe preoperative air bone (AB) gap was 29.6±7.0 dB, and the postoperative gap was 16.5±5.7 dB; thus, there was significant overall improvement. In all groups, hearing was significantly better after surgery, but the worst postoperative hearing level was seen in Group IV patients. Type B tympanograms were more frequently recorded in Group IV patients than they were in Group I or II patients. Postoperative AB gaps were 9.2±3.8 dB in patients with type A tympanograms, 13.4±2.1 dB in those with type As, 24.1±2.5 dB in those with type C, and 18.5±2.8 dB in those with type B.ConclusionET function measured with a modified pressure equilibration test using an inflation-deflation manometric method is a good indicator of an aerated middle ear and is predictive of improved postoperative hearing.