Digitalization study of sonotubometry device / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>Sonotubometry is wildly used in developed countries, offers a easy, versatile and objective way to assess the function of Eustachian tube. The objectives of this study are to develop a low-cost digitalized device.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The digitalized sonotubometry device was made of a personal computer with sound input and output accessories. The PC sound card, connected to a signal amplifier, exported probe band noise, while feedback sound was collected by a microphone. All 36 volunteers (72 ears) were involved in the sonotubometry test with JK-04A and CHN-08, in the conditions of dry-swallowing and wet-swallowing. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 13.0.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The basic electroacoustic performance of the CHN-08 was acceptable. CHN-08 (7 kHz) detection and JK-04A consistency of kappa index was 0.472; CHN-08 (8 kHz) and JK-04A consistency of kappa index was 0.487; CHN-08 (7 kHz) and CHN-08 (8 kHz) consistency of kappa index was 0.688.Under the JK-04A, CHN-08 (7 kHz) and CHN-08 (8 kHz) three setups, Eustachian tube opening frequency was significantly lower for wet-swallowing than dry-swallowing, P < 0.05.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>A low-cost digitalized sonotubometry is successfully developed. Its electroacoustic performance proved acceptable by authority assessments. The detection rate of CHN-08 is in accordance with that of JK-04A moderately. The study revealed that Eustachian tube is opened more easily by dry-swallowing than by wet-swallowing.</p>