Differential effects of mass-loading the eardrum and stiffening the middle ear on wideband absorbance.

The current work investigated the effects of mass-loading the eardrum on wideband absorbance in humans. A non-invasive approach to mass-loading the eardrum was utilized in which water was placed on the eardrum via ear canal access. The mass-loaded absorbance was compared to absorbance measured for two alternative middle ear states: normal and stiffened. To stiffen the ear, subjects pressurized the middle ear through either exsufflation or insufflation concurrent with Eustachian tube opening. Mass-loading the eardrum was hypothesized to reduce high-frequency absorbance, whereas pressurizing the middle ear was hypothesized to reduce low- to mid-frequency absorbance. Discriminant linear analysis classification was performed to evaluate the utility of absorbance in differentiating between conditions. Water on the eardrum reduced absorbance over the 0.7- to 6-kHz frequency range and increased absorbance at frequencies below approximately 0.5 kHz; these changes approximated the pattern of changes reported in both hearing thresholds and stapes motion upon mass-loading the eardrum. Pressurizing the middle ear reduced the absorbance over the 0.125- to 4-kHz frequency range. Several classification models based on the absorbance in two- or three-frequency bands had accuracy exceeding 88%.

Sound and Noise Sources in Sonotubometry: An Investigation of Eustachian Tube Assessment.

This research aims to enhance the understanding of the acoustic processes occurring during sonotubometry, a method used to assess the Eustachian tube (ET) function. Recent advancements in digital signal processing enable a more comprehensive data analysis. In this project, a silicone model of the ET was developed to systematically study the existing noise and sound sources. These measurements were then compared with recordings from human subjects. Three distinct 'noise sources' were identified, which can influence the assessment of the ET opening using transmission measurements of the imposed signal: sound leakage from the speaker, a clicking noise at the initiation of ET opening, and rumbling/swallowing noise. Through spectral analysis, it was also possible to ascertain the spectral and temporal occurrence of these sound and noise types. The silicone model exhibited remarkable similarity to the healthy human ET, making it a robust experimental model for investigating the acoustics of sonotubometry. The findings underscore the significance of delving deeper into the analysed sound, as the noise occurring during sonotubometry can be easily misconstrued as an actual ET opening. Particularly, careful consideration is warranted when evaluating data involving clicking and swallowing noise.

Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty in a professional Navy SEAL diver: case report.

Middle ear barotrauma due to dilatory Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is probably the most common medical disorder related to diving. Moreover, ETD makes divers prone to other diving-related accidents, including inner ear barotrauma and alternobaric vertigo. Until the development of Eustachian tube balloon dilation no diving-compatible surgical options existed to effectively and safely prevent recurrence. We present a case of an Israeli Navy SEAL diver who dives in extreme strenuous combat-related closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) dives. Due to repeated middle ear barotrauma, the patient underwent Eustachian tube balloon dilation of the affected side. Following surgery, the patient returned to both CCR and scuba dives but still suffered from middle ear symptoms and repeated barotrauma hence was eventually disqualified from further combat diving.

Eustachian Tube Quality of Life and Severity of Disease in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has long been a suspected risk factor for Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). However, there have been few studies quantifying the presence of ETD in CRS patients. We sought to determine the prevalence of ETD symptoms in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for CRS using the validated 7-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) and to correlate the ETDQ-7 scores with scores of CRS symptom severity based on the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). METHODS: Patients for FESS were preoperatively administered both the ETDQ-7 and the SNOT-22 validated quality of life instruments. Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated. Changes in ETDQ-7 were measured at 3 months and differences were compared via paired t test. RESULTS: A total of 82 patients completed the surveys. Thirty-nine (47.6%) patients had ETDQ-7 score ≥14.5, signifying clinically significant ETD symptoms. The mean ETDQ-7 score of the study population was 15.8 ± 8.8, and the mean SNOT-22 score was 37.5 ± 19.7. The Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients between ETDQ-7 and the total SNOT-22 score were 0.52 (P > .0001) and 0.51 (P < .0001), respectively. There was significant improvement in ETDQ-7 scores postoperatively. CONCLUSION: While the association between ETD and CRS has long been known, this is one of the few prospective patient studies evaluating otologic symptoms in a CRS population. We found that a significant percentage of CRS patients suffer from ETD symptoms based on patient-reported subjective outcome measures. This study demonstrates that otologic symptoms increase with CRS severity and improve after FESS.

Proposal of a new scoring system for equalization problems during freediving.

OBJECTIVE: Scuba diving and freediving are popular activities around the world, and their growth has increased the frequency of related pathology. A good ability to equalize is of paramount importance for diving. This is especially true for freediving, during which dive time is limited to just one breath. Even though equalization disorders are quite common in divers, a scoring system does not exist to date. In this paper we propose a new scoring system for equalization problems of freedivers: the EP score, shorthand for "equalization problems." METHODS: We administered the EP score assessment to 40 Italian freediving spearfishermen who were divided in two groups: Group A comprised 20 freedivers complaining of equalization problems and multiple barotraumas but totally asymptomatic in their everyday lives. These individuals had already received medical treatment and nasal surgery without improvement and then had undergone Eustachian tube balloon dilation. Group B comprised 20 healthy freedivers without any history of equalization disorders. We performed a statistical analysis to evaluate the reliability of this scoring system and to evaluate its usefulness in diagnosis and follow-up. RESULTS: Our data show substantial statistical differences between healthy freedivers and freedivers complaining of equalization disorders (Z-Score = -5.396 at p ⟨ 0.05); data do not show any statistical difference between healthy freedivers and patients successfully treated by Eustachian tube balloon dilation (U-value = 152.5 and Z-Score= -1.271 at p ⟨ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The EP score assessment seems to be a reliable tool to quantify equalization disorders during freediving and to evaluate how the difficulty varies over time and after treatment. Since equalization disorders could be present in different populations, the EP score assessment could be applicable to a wider group.

Proof of concept study using a modified Politzer inflation device as a rescue modality for treating Eustachian tube dysfunction during hyperbaric oxygen treatment in a multiplace (Class A) chamber.

Introduction: Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and middle ear barotrauma (MEB) are the most common adverse effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) treatments. Patients practice equalization maneuvers to prevent ETD and MEB prior to hyperbaric exposure. Some patients are still unable to equalize middle ear pressure. This ETD results in undesirable consequences, including barotrauma, treatment with medications or surgical myringotomy with tube placement and interruption of HBO2. When additional medications and myringotomy are employed, they are associated with additional complications. Methods: A device known as the Ear Popper® has been reported to reduce complications from serous otitis media and reduce the need for surgical interventions (myringotomy). Patients unable to equalize middle ear pressure during initial compression in the hyperbaric chamber were allowed to use the device for rescue. All hyperbaric treatments were compressed using a United States Navy TT9, or a 45-fsw hyperbaric treatment schedule. Patients with persistent ETD and the inability to equalize middle ear pressure were given the Ear Popper upon consideration of terminating their treatment. Results: The Ear Popper allowed all patients to successfully equalize middle ear pressure and complete their treatments. Conclusion: This study substantiates the use of this device to assist in allowing pressurization of the middle ear space in patients otherwise unable to achieve equalization of middle ear pressure during HBO2 treatment in a multiplace chamber.

The pharyngeal recess/Eustachian tube complex forms an acoustic passageway.

We propose that the complex formed by the Pharyngeal Recess and Eustachian Tube, acts as an acoustic passageway for sounds originating inside the body: sounds made by one's voice, breathing, mastication, one's heartbeats. The antagonistic effect of two sets of muscles, one innervated by the trigeminal nerve, the other by the vagal nerve and cervical plexus, enables the body to modulate transmission of sound via this passageway and hence modulate the awareness of body sounds. Impairment of this system can be due to local factors, such as adhesions over the pharyngeal recess or inflammation inside the pharyngeal recess and/or Eustachian tube; or to tensions of the muscles involved, related to other causes. Dysfunction of the system can lead to symptoms related to increased or decreased awareness of body sounds, such as autophony, hearing of pulsating sounds and clicks in the ear; sensory symptoms related to increased activation of the nerves such as fullness feeling in the ear, facial pain, burning mouth syndrome, globus pharyngeus, pharyngeal pain; and symptoms related to inappropriate muscular contraction such as masticatory and cervical muscle tensions, bruxism, and tension type headache. The functioning of this acoustic passageway is related to the concept of the Trigeminocervical complex. The concept of Vagocervical complex is proposed.

Including auditory tube function on models is relevant to assess water exposure after tympanostomy tubes-Multiphase computerized fluid dynamics model.

INTRODUCTION: Myringotomy with tympanostomy tube is the most common otologic surgery and some patients are still advised to avoid water. However, there is no evidence supporting this, with published papers questioning the need for this advice. METHODS: A Multiphase Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model was created using computerized tomography images of a child's healthy ear. It was then used to study the flow of fluids through the external ear, tympanic cavity, and auditory tube, with and without submersion. RESULTS: The model accurately described the behavior of the air retained in the patient's nasopharynx and tympanic cavity. A simulated elevation of pressure in the external auditory canal without submersion, without increase of pressure in the nasopharynx, demonstrated that fluids promptly crossed the tympanostomy tube into the middle ear. However, simulated elevation of pressure in the external auditory canal with concurrent elevation of air pressure in the nasopharynx during submersion did not lead to passive tube opening nor to any detectable flow through the tympanostomy tube. CONCLUSIONS: In the model, submersion increases pressure in the nasopharynx which offsets the pressure in the external auditory canal. So, in the absence of a pressure gradient, no passive tubal opening took place, and no air or fluid flow was detected through the transtympanic tube. This model now includes the exhaust function of the auditory tube in the model and shows its relevance.

Assessment of the Importance of Tympanic Membrane Mechanoreceptors on Eustachian Tube Function Based on Pressure Chamber Measurements.

INTRODUCTION: Previously, it was demonstrated how the Eustachian tube (ET) opening function can be influenced by middle ear pressure and movement of the tympanic membrane via neural control. Mechanoreceptors on the tympanic membrane may be part of the afferent arc and could influence the middle ear pressure by activating the musculus veli palatini as part of a reflex. METHODS: In a hypo and hyperbaric pressure chamber, 17 participants (34 ears) were twice exposed to a standardized pressure profile of pressure decrease and increase. The ET function reflecting parameters-ET opening pressure (ETOP), ET opening duration (ETOD), and ET opening frequency (ETOF)-were determined before and after local anesthesia of the right tympanic membrane. RESULTS: After pressure exposure by pressure increase (active induced equalization) and pressure decrease (passive equalization) there was no significant difference between the mean value of ETOP, ETOD, and ETOF before and after local anesthesia of the right tympanic membrane on the right (anesthetized) or left side (not anesthetized). CONCLUSION: These results may lead to the hypothesis that tympanic membrane mechanoreceptors may play a minor role in regulating the ET function in humans.

Quantitative representation of Eustachian tube component movements during swallowing.

OBJECTIVE: Describes a method of dynamic video-endoscopy of the Eustachian tube (ET) orifice at the nasopharynx to quantitatively represent ET component movements during swallowing using a graphic function and analyze their importance to its opening mechanics. METHODS: This was a pilot study of relational event capture using a polar coordinate system applied to trans-nasal video-endoscopic recordings of the ET during 3 swallows in 5 adults. After topical anesthesia of the nose, a 45° telescope was introduced unilaterally and focused on the ipsilateral ET orifice. For each recording, consecutive still-frame images were analyzed by identifying 4 fixed-point locators; the luminal apex, lateral and medial walls and the torus. A frame-normal, horizontal line was constructed through the apex and, then, the medial angles defined at the intersection of the horizontal line and the lines from apex to each point locator were measured. The magnitudes of these angles were plotted as a function of time (i.e. successive frames) for each swallow. RESULTS: The resulting graphs captured the "in plane" relational movements for the locator points during a swallow. Complex interactions among the ET components were resolvable and the patterns were reproducible across swallows. Individual peculiarities observable on review of the corresponding "movies" such as double-swallows, delayed swallows and ET luminal constriction were easily identified in the graphic representation. CONCLUSION: This methodology is potentially useful for summary presentations of the ET mechanics of individual patients and for quantifying differences in those mechanics between groups defined by their history of middle-ear disease.

Should Nasal Function be Considered Prior to Tympanoplasty?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between nasal airway function and Eustachian tube (ET) functions and their impact on tympanoplasty in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group (CSOM group) consisted of 33 patients scheduled to undergo tympanoplasty for CSOM. Two control groups were formed: a nasal septal deviation (NSD) group of 25 patients scheduled to undergo nasal surgery for NSD, and a control group of 25 healthy individuals with no otologic or rhinologic symptoms. ET functions were assessed tympanometrically with automatic Williams test (ETF1) and modified pressure equalization inflation-deflation test (ETF2) and nasal functions were analyzed using acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry. The patients in the CSOM group underwent tympanoplasty, and tests were repeated at the end of the 3rd postoperative month. RESULTS: Both acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry revealed similar nasal function in the CSOM and NSD groups, which was inferior to that of the control group. The CSOM group had the worst ET function. Dysfunctional ETs in the CSOM group improved at 3 months postsurgery, and all groups had a similar outcome regarding ET functions. The outcome of ear surgery was not affected by nasal function, and the graft take rate was 90%. CONCLUSION: Patients with NSD had generally poor ET function; however, this did not affect the outcomes of tympanoplasty. The preoperative ET function results were inconsistent with the results following tympanoplasty; therefore, they were not predictive of need for septoplasty. Thus, we do not universally recommend surgical correction of NSD prior to ear surgery; however, this decision should be made on an individual basis.

The extended bundle of the tensor veli palatini: Anatomic consideration of the dilating mechanism of the Eustachian tube.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the topographical structures of the muscles surrounding the Eustachian tube. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted macroscopic and histological studies of 24 halves of 12 heads from Japanese cadavers. RESULTS: The main findings were as follows: 1) the infero-lateral muscle bundles of the tensor veli palatini didn't turn medially at the pterygoid hamulus but were distributed laterally and continuous with the buccinator; 2) the tensor veli palatini attached laterally to the membranous part of the Eustachian tube; 3) the superior pharyngeal constrictor was not only adjacent to the buccinator at the pterygomandibular raphe but also had muscular continuation with it laterally and 4) some bundles of the superior pharyngeal constrictor adhered with the palatine aponeurosis. CONCLUSION: We believe that the cooperation of the muscles contributes to the dilating mechanism of the Eustachian tube, due to the complex topographical structures of the surrounding muscles: the tensor veli palatini, the levator veli palatini, the superior pharyngeal constrictor and the buccinator.

Underwater nasal decongestant use: a novel approach to middle ear equalization.

Middle ear barotrauma is the most common diving-related injury. It is estimated to occur in more than 50% of experienced divers. Although divers learn how to effectively equalize their ears with various maneuvers, airway congestion may impede the ability to equalize the middle ear space via the Eustachian tube. In this case, one may have to avoid diving or abort a dive due to inability to descend. If difficulty with middle ear equalization occurs during the bottom phase of the dive, which may transpire during a multilevel cave or wreck dive, a diver may need to descend before he can exit the water. In this case, it is imperative that the middle ear can be equalized, or one risks middle ear barotrauma, tympanic membrane rupture, possible accrual of decompression and dwindling breathing gas reserves. A 46-year-old diver encountered difficulty with equalization during a cave dive and was able to administer oxymetazoline intranasally to facilitate middle ear equalization. Although effective for this individual,this maneuver is not without risks, which include disorientation, loss of buoyancy, coughing, sneezing, laryngospasm, and a theoretical increased susceptibility to CNS oxygen toxicity.

Influence of repetitive diving in freshwater on pressure equalization and Eustachian tube function in recreational scuba divers.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the effect of repetitive pressure exposure during freshwater dives on Eustachian tube function and the middle ear, assessed by the Eustachian tube function test (ETFT). METHODS: This prospective observational cohort study included 23 divers over three consecutive days of diving in freshwater lakes in Nordhausen, Germany. Participants underwent otoscopy and ETFT before the first dive, between each dive and after the last dive. ETFT included regular tympanometry (R-tymp), tympanometry after Valsalva (V-tymp) and after swallowing (S-tymp). The peak pressure difference between the R-tymp and the V-tymp (R-VdP) defined effectiveness of pressure equalization after Valsalva manoeuvres. We evaluated the change in compliance and peak pressure and correlated the results to the otoscopic findings and diving experience. RESULTS: Twenty-three divers performed 144 dives. Middle ear barotrauma was assessed using the Edmonds modification of the TEED scoring system. In the ETFT, the R-tymp peak pressure displayed a negative shift from day one to three (P = 0.001) and differed significantly between the experience groups (P = 0.01). R-VdP did not change significantly on any of the three days of diving (all P > 0.05). Participants without MEBt showed significantly lower R-tymp values than did those with barotrauma (P = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Repetitive pressure exposure during three consecutive days of freshwater diving led to a negative shift of the peak pressure in the middle ear. Less experienced divers showed significantly higher middle ear peak pressure and higher pressure differences after equalization manoeuvres. Higher middle ear peak pressure was also associated with a higher prevalence of barotrauma.

Influence of repetitive diving in saltwater on pressure equalization and Eustachian tube function in recreational scuba divers.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated in a prospective, observational trial the feasibility of using the Eustachian tube function test (ETFT) to measure the effect of repetitive pressure exposure during open seawater dives on Eustachian tube function. METHODS: The study included 28 adult divers during six consecutive days of diving in the Red Sea. Participants underwent otoscopy and ETFT before the first dive, between each dive and after the last dive. ETFT included regular tympanometry (R-tymp), tympanometry after Valsalva (V-tymp) and after swallowing (S-tymp). The R-tymp was obtained as 'baseline' peak pressure. After a Valsalva, the peak pressure should shift (positively), revealing a positive shift of the tympanic membrane. This pressure shift is defined here as R-VdP. The changes in compliance and peak pressure were recorded and correlated with otoscopic findings and diving experience. Middle ear barotrauma was scored using the Edmonds modified TEED scale. RESULTS: The 28 participants performed 437 dives. Positive shift of pressure in the middle ear was evident with significant changes from day one to day three (P < 0.0001). Divers with barotrauma showed significantly lower values of R-tymp peak pressure and significantly higher negative R-VdP, compared to divers with normal otoscopic findings (P < 0.05). Diving experience significantly correlated with R-tymp peak pressure and prevalence of middle ear barotrauma. CONCLUSION: Significant changes in middle ear pressure and pressure equalization from repeated pressure exposure in saltwater were seen using ETFT. Repetitive, multi-day diving led to significantly decreased compliance and increased R-tymp peak pressure (overpressure) in the middle ear. Most profound changes were observed in less and intermediate experienced divers.

Panel 2: Anatomy (Eustachian Tube, Middle Ear, and Mastoid-Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Pathogenesis).

Objective In this report, we review the recent literature (ie, past 4 years) to identify advances in our understanding of the middle ear-mastoid-eustachian tube system. We use this review to determine whether the short-term goals elaborated in the last report were achieved, and we propose updated goals to guide future otitis media research. Data Sources PubMed, Web of Science, Medline. Review Methods The panel topic was subdivided, and each contributor performed a literature search within the given time frame. The keywords searched included middle ear, eustachian tube, and mastoid for their intersection with anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and pathology. Preliminary reports from each panel member were consolidated and discussed when the panel met on June 11, 2015. At that meeting, the progress was evaluated and new short-term goals proposed. Conclusions Progress was made on 13 of the 20 short-term goals proposed in 2011. Significant advances were made in the characterization of middle ear gas exchange pathways, modeling eustachian tube function, and preliminary testing of treatments for eustachian tube dysfunction. Implications for Practice In the future, imaging technologies should be developed to noninvasively assess middle ear/eustachian tube structure and physiology with respect to their role in otitis media pathogenesis. The new data derived from these structure/function experiments should be integrated into computational models that can then be used to develop specific hypotheses concerning otitis media pathogenesis and persistence. Finally, rigorous studies on medical or surgical treatments for eustachian tube dysfunction should be undertaken.

Reliability of Eustachian tube function measurements in a hypobaric and hyperbaric pressure chamber.

OBJECTIVES: Measurement of the Eustachian tube (ET) function is a challenge. The demand for a precise and meaningful diagnostic tool increases-especially because more and more operative therapies are being offered without objective evidence. The measurement of the ET function by continuous impedance recording in a pressure chamber is an established method, although the reliability of the measurements is still unclear. METHODS: Twenty-five participants (50 ears) were exposed to phases of compression and decompression in a hypo- and hyperbaric pressure chamber. The ET function reflecting parameters-ET opening pressure (ETOP), ET opening duration (ETOD) and ET opening frequency (ETOF)-were determined under exactly the same preconditions three times in a row. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland and Altman plot were used to assess test-retest reliability. RESULTS: ICCs revealed a high correlation for ETOP and ETOF in phases of decompression (passive equalisation) as well as ETOD and ETOP in phases of compression (active induced equalisation). Very high correlation could be shown for ETOD in decompression and ETOF in compression phases. The Bland and Altman graphs could show that measurements provide results within a 95 % confidence interval in compression and decompression phases. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that measurements in a pressure chamber are a very valuable tool in terms of estimating the ET opening and closing function. Measurements show some variance comparing participants, but provide reliable results within a 95 % confidence interval in retest. This study is the basis for enabling efficacy measurements of ET treatment modalities.

The repeatability of tests of eustachian tube function in healthy ears.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Many objective tests of eustachian tube (ET) function have been devised for clinical and research use but they have not been directly compared or characterized. As a first step to identifying tests to incorporate into an outcome set for ET dysfunction, we assessed repeatability of a panel of eight of these tests in healthy ears. STUDY DESIGN: Comparison of eight tests of ET function. METHODS: The following tests were investigated in combination with Valsalva, Toynbee, swallow, or sniff maneuvers: 1) patient-reported ET opening, 2) observed tympanic membrane movement, 3) continuous impedance, 4) canal manometry, 5) sonotubometry, 6) nine-step test, 7) tubomanometry, and 8) tympanometry at rest. Forty-two healthy volunteers were recruited. Each test was performed in 20 different ears and repeated immediately three times in each cycle, with four cycles performed at 20-minute intervals. Repeatability of detected ET opening was compared using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Mean ET opening rate with each test ranged from 30% to 95%. Variation in detection of ET opening was less when tests were repeated immediately (ICC = 0.61) when compared to between cycles (ICC = 0.49), suggesting there may be significant changes in ET function in the short term. Tubomanometry was the only test to combine a detected ET opening rate of >85% and substantial agreement of results (ICC >0.61) between test cycles. CONCLUSIONS: Tubomanometry was the most reliable test at detecting ET opening. When tests of ET function are used in clinical practice, they should be performed more than once to gain a more reliable result. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3b. Laryngoscope, 127:2619-2626, 2017.

Assessment of Eustachian tube function in patients with tympanic membrane retraction and in normal subjects / Avaliação da função da tuba de Eustáquio em pacientes com retração de membrana timpânica e em indivíduos normais

Abstract Introduction The diagnosis of Eustachian tube dysfunctions is essential for better understanding of the pathogenesis of chronic otitis media. A series of tests to assess tube function are described in the literature; however, they are methodologically heterogeneous, with differences ranging from application protocols to standardization of tests and their results. Objective To evaluate the variation in middle ear pressure in patients with tympanic membrane retraction and in normal patients during tube function tests, as well as to evaluate intra-individual variation between these tests. Methods An observational, contemporary, cross-sectional study was conducted, in which the factor under study was the variation in middle ear pressure during tube function tests (Valsalva maneuver, sniff test, Toynbee maneuver) in healthy patients and in patients with mild and moderate/severe tympanic retraction. A total of 38 patients (76 ears) were included in the study. Patients underwent tube function tests at two different time points to determine pressure measurements after each maneuver. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 18.0, considering p-values <0.05 as statistically significant. Results Mean (standard deviation) age was 11 (2.72) years; 55.3% of patients were male and 44.7% female. The prevalence of type A tympanogram was higher among participants with healthy ears and those with mild retraction, whereas type C tympanograms were more frequent in the moderate/severe retraction group. An increase in middle ear pressure was observed during the Valsalva maneuver at the first time point evaluated in all three groups of ears (p = 0.012). The variation in pressure was not significant either for the sniff test or for the Toynbee maneuver at the two time points evaluated (p ≥ 0.05). Agreement between measurements obtained at the two different time points was weak to moderate for all tests in all three groups of ears, and the variations in discrepancy between measurements were higher in ears with moderate/severe tympanic retraction. Conclusion In this study population, the mean pressure in the middle ear showed significant variation only during the Valsalva maneuver at the first time point evaluated in the three groups of ears. Normal ears and those with mild retraction behaved similarly in all tests. The tested maneuvers exhibited weak to moderate intra-individual variation, with the greatest variation occurring in ears with moderate/severe retraction.

Resumo Introdução O diagnóstico das disfunções da tuba auditiva é essencial para o melhor entendimento da patogênese da otite média crônica. A literatura descreve uma série de testes que avaliam a função tubária; contudo, tais exames são metodologicamente heterogêneos, com diferenças que variam desde os protocolos de aplicação até a padronização dos exames e seus resultados. Objetivo Avaliar a variação na pressão na orelha média em pacientes com retração da membrana timpânica e em indivíduos normais durante os testes de função tubária e também avaliar a variação intraindividual desses testes. Método Estudo observacional do tipo transversal e contemporâneo, no qual o fator em estudo foi a variação na pressão na orelha média durante os testes de função tubária (manobra de Valsalva, Sniff Test e manobra de Toynbee) em indivíduos normais e em pacientes com retrações timpânicas leves e moderadas/graves. Foram incluídos 38 pacientes (76 orelhas). Os pacientes foram submetidos, em dois momentos diferentes, a testes de função tubária para determinar as medidas de pressão após cada manobra. A análise estatística foi feita com o programa SPSS, versão 18.0, e consideramos como estatisticamente significativos os valores de p < 0,05. Resultados A média ± desvio padrão da idade foi de 11 ± 2,72 anos; 55,3% dos pacientes eram do gênero masculino e 44,7% do feminino. A prevalência de curvas timpanométricas do tipo A foi mais alta entre os participantes com orelhas normais e naqueles com retrações leves, enquanto as curvas timpanométricas do tipo C foram mais frequentes no grupo com retrações moderadas/graves. Observamos pressões aumentadas na orelha média durante a manobra de Valsalva no primeiro momento da avaliação nos três grupos de orelhas (p = 0,012). A variação na pressão não foi significativa para o Sniff Test, nem para a manobra de Toynbee nos dois momentos de avaliação (p ≥ 0,05). Consideramos que a concordância entre as determinações obtidas nos dois momentos diferentes foi fraca a moderada para todos os testes nos três grupos de orelhas e as variações em termos de discrepância entre as medidas foram maiores nas orelhas com retrações timpânicas moderadas/graves. Conclusão Na população estudada, a média das pressões na orelha média apresentou variação significante apenas durante a manobra de Valsalva no primeiro momento de avaliação, nos três grupos de orelhas. As orelhas normais e aquelas que apresentavam retração leve se comportaram de maneira similar nos testes. As manobras testadas exibiram uma variação intraindividual fraca a moderada e a maior variação ocorreu nas orelhas com retrações moderadas/graves.