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.
Keywords
chronic otitis media - Eustachian tube function - middle ear
