Eustachian tube function in adults with intact tympanic membrane.
The Eustachian tube has the function of equilibrating the environmental pressure with inner pressure, protecting the middle ear from abrupt pressure changes.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the Eustachian tube function in adults with and without history of otitis media and/or respiratory tract inflammation without tympanic membrane perforation.


METHODS
The Eustachian tube function was evaluated in forty-two females and males of 18 to 55 years of age with intact tympanic membrane, tympanometric A curves and without historic of otological surgery. The patients (study group with past otological disease) were matched by a control group. The data was analyzed to compare the Eustachian tube function in both groups.


RESULTS
In the study group, 21.4% of the persons presented dysfunction of the tube against 0% in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference considering the affected ear. We observed a higher percentage of men (90.9%) with normal functioning Eustachian tube in relation to women (65%).


CONCLUSIONS
Middle ear infections, rhinitis and/or sinusitis influenced the Eustachian tube functioning. Therefore it is important to test its function in such individuals. Other studies are important to establish a standard of normality in each condition of the test and for a better understanding of these people's complaints.
Makibara
Renata Rumy
RR
Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, Brazil.
Fukunaga
Jackeline Yumi
JY
Gil
Daniela
D
D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005064:Eustachian Tube / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult