Sinonasal risk factors for eustachian tube dysfunction: Cross‐sectional findings from NHANES 2011‐2012

Comparative Efficacy of Different Therapeutic Interventions in Eustachian Tube Dysfunctions: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) affects a significant portion of the population, manifesting symptoms that impact the quality of life. Despite the prevalence of ETD, there remains a notable gap in comprehensive studies exploring the condition's dynamics within specific demographic contexts, particularly within Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of ETD across different demographic groups, to evaluate the efficacy of various treatment modalities, and to identify key predictors of treatment response in a Saudi Arabian cohort. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to May 2023 in tertiary care hospitals in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. Participants included adults diagnosed with ETD, assessed through clinical symptoms, otoscopic examinations, audiometric evaluations, tympanometry, and the ETDQ-7 questionnaire. The study incorporated advanced diagnostics such as nasopharyngoscopy and pressure equalization tube function tests and involved 154 participants, revealing significant variations in ETD severity, with the 46-60 age group exhibiting the highest mean ETDQ-7 score of 4.85, and urban residents displaying lower severity scores compared to rural counterparts. Pharmacological interventions were most effective, achieving the highest symptom relief and audiological improvement rates of 87.78%. Multivariate regression highlighted age, geographic location, and treatment modality as key predictors of treatment efficacy, with notable interaction effects between climate conditions and treatment types influencing outcomes. The findings underscore the heterogeneity in ETD presentation and the differential efficacy of treatment modalities.

Association between blood volatile organic aromatic compound concentrations and hearing loss in US adults

OBJECTIVE

Benzene, ethylbenzene, meta/para-xylene, and ortho-xylene, collectively referred to as benzene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BEX), constitute the main components of volatile organic aromatic compounds (VOACs) and can have adverse effects on human health. The relationship between exposure to BEX and hearing loss (HL) in the adult U.S. population was aimed to be assessed.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the years 2003-2004, 2011-2012, and 2015-2016 were analyzed. This dataset included complete demographic characteristics, pure-tone audiometry measurements, and volatile organic compound detection data from the NHANES database. A weighted multivariate logistic regression model was employed to investigate the associations between blood BEX concentrations HL, low-frequency hearing loss (SFHL), and high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL).

RESULTS

2174 participants were included, with weighted prevalence rates of HL, SFHL, and HFHL being 46.81%, 25.23%, and 45.86%, respectively. Exposure to benzene, ethylbenzene, meta/para-xylene, and ortho-xylene, and cumulative BEX concentrations increased the risk of hearing loss (odds ratios [ORs] were 1.36, 1.22, 1.42, 1.23, and 1.31, respectively; all P < 0.05). In the analysis with SFHL as the outcome, ethylbenzene, m-/p-xylene, o-xylene, benzene, and overall BEX increased the risk (OR 1.26, 1.21, 1.28, 1.20, and 1.25, respectively; all P < 0.05). For HFHL, exposure to ethylbenzene, m-/p-xylene, o-xylene, benzene, and overall BEX increased the risk (OR 1.36, 1.22, 1.42, 1.22, and 1.31, respectively; all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that a positive correlation between individual or cumulative exposure to benzene, ethylbenzene, meta/para-xylene, and ortho-xylene and the risk of HL, SFHL, and HFHL. Further research is imperative to acquire a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which organic compounds, notably BEX, in causing hearing loss and to validate these findings in longitudinal environmental studies.

Allergy in pathogenesis of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a condition where the Eustachian tube (ET) fails to function normally, resulting in symptoms such as aural fullness, tinnitus, autophony, and hearing loss. ETD can further lead to middle ear diseases such as otitis media effusion and adhesive otitis media, which is becoming more common in the field of otology. Although the pathogenesis of ETD remains unclear, recent animal studies and clinical experiments have found allergic reactions and allergic diseases are closely related to the occurrence of ETD. As the mucosa of the ET is continuous with that of the nasopharynx and tympanic cavity, it is reasonable to assume that the immunological basis of the ET itself is similar to that of respiratory allergic diseases. However, due to the special anatomical location and complex pathogenesis of the ET, there is still no unified diagnostic gold standard. Additionally, there is an ongoing debate regarding whether ETD can be classified as a distinct disease or even an allergic disease. Furthermore, the effectiveness of anti-allergic therapy in patients with ETD is yet to be fully understood. Therefore, this review elaborates on the possible mechanisms of allergic reactions in the occurrence and development of ETD, and explores the potential role of anti-allergic therapy in managing this condition, in order to provide new insights into the pathogenesis and prevention of ETD.

Association between sleep duration and hearing threshold shifts of adults in the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2015-2016

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to hearing loss (HL). Another sleep characteristics, sleep duration might also be associated with HL, but prior evidence is limited. This study is aimed to investigate the association between sleep duration and hearing level in the adult US population.

METHODS

In total, a sample of 2777 individuals aged 20-69 years from the 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycle (NHANES, 2015-2016) were investigated in this study. Self-reported sleep duration data was classified into the short-sleep (< 7 h), normal-sleep (7-9 h), and long-sleep (> 9 h) group. Multivariable linear regression models between sleep duration and hearing threshold shifts were estimated. Interactions between sleep duration and age, gender, race, OSA were also considered, and the study population was stratified by age, gender, race, and OSA to analyze the potential disparities among adults in different subgroups.

RESULTS

Long-sleep duration was positively associated with speech- and high-frequency pure-tone average (PTA) thresholds with statistical significance (β = 1.31, 95%CI: 0.10, 2.53, P = 0.0347, and β = 2.71, 95%CI: 0.69, 4.74, P = 0.0087, respectively). When stratified by age, short sleep duration was positively associated with low-, and speech-frequency PTAs (P = 0.0140 and 0.0225, respectively) for adults aged 40-59 years, and long-sleep duration was positively associated with low-, and speech-frequency PTAs (P = 0.0495 and 0.0142, respectively) for adults aged 60-69 years with statistical significance. There was statistically significant interaction between OSA and sleep duration on speech-frequency PTA, but no significant interaction between either gender or race with sleep duration on hearing thresholds among US adults.

CONCLUSION

Short/long sleep durations are associated with worse hearing level comparing to sleep 7-9 h in the American adults. Nonoptimal sleep duration may be a potential risk factor for HL.

International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: Allergic rhinitis - 2023

BACKGROUND

In the 5 years that have passed since the publication of the 2018 International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis (ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2018), the literature has expanded substantially. The ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 update presents 144 individual topics on allergic rhinitis (AR), expanded by over 40 topics from the 2018 document. Originally presented topics from 2018 have also been reviewed and updated. The executive summary highlights key evidence-based findings and recommendation from the full document.

METHODS

ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 employed established evidence-based review with recommendation (EBRR) methodology to individually evaluate each topic. Stepwise iterative peer review and consensus was performed for each topic. The final document was then collated and includes the results of this work.

RESULTS

ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 includes 10 major content areas and 144 individual topics related to AR. For a substantial proportion of topics included, an aggregate grade of evidence is presented, which is determined by collating the levels of evidence for each available study identified in the literature. For topics in which a diagnostic or therapeutic intervention is considered, a recommendation summary is presented, which considers the aggregate grade of evidence, benefit, harm, and cost.

CONCLUSION

The ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 update provides a comprehensive evaluation of AR and the currently available evidence. It is this evidence that contributes to our current knowledge base and recommendations for patient evaluation and treatment.

Are rhinitis and Eustachian tube dysfunction associated in United States adolescents?

OBJECTIVES

Despite longstanding clinical gestalt of a relationship between rhinitis and Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), population-level evidence supporting this connection is lacking, particularly among adolescents. We aimed to investigate the association between rhinitis and ETD in a nationally-representative sample of United States adolescents.

METHODS

We performed cross-sectional analyses of 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (n = 1955, ages 12-19). Rhinitis (self-reported hay fever and/or nasal symptoms in the past 12 months) was stratified as allergic (AR) or nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) based on serum IgE aeroallergen positivity. History of ear disease and procedures was recorded. Tympanometry was classified by type (A, B, C). Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the association of rhinitis and ETD.

RESULTS

Among US adolescents, 29.4% reported rhinitis (NAR 38.9%, AR 61.1%), and 14.0% had abnormal tympanometry. Adolescents with rhinitis were more likely to report a history of ≥3 ear infections (NAR: OR 2.40, 95% CI: 1.72-3.34, p < 0.001; AR: OR 1.89, 95% CI: 1.21-2.95, p = 0.008) and tympanostomy tube placement (NAR: OR 3.53, 95% CI: 2.07-6.03, p < 0.001; AR: OR 1.91, 95% CI: 1.24-2.94, p = 0.006), compared to those without rhinitis. There was no association between rhinitis and abnormal tympanometry (NAR: p = 0.357; AR: p = 0.625).

CONCLUSION

NAR and AR are both associated with history of frequent ear infections and tympanostomy tube placement in US adolescents, supporting an association with ETD. This association is strongest for NAR, suggesting that specific inflammatory mechanisms may be involved in this condition and potentially explaining why traditional therapies for AR are largely ineffective for ETD.

Symptom Localization May Differentiate Subtypes of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the predictive ability of symptom self-localization to distinguish obstructive eustachian tube dysfunction from non-obstructive salpingitis.

METHODS

Adult (age ≥18 years) patients with a primary complaint of aural discomfort who underwent diagnostic nasal endoscopy and tympanometry at a tertiary academic center were enrolled. Symptoms were self-localized by using a single finger on the affected side. All patients completed the 7-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) and underwent scoring of eustachian tube inflammation using the Endoscopic Evaluation of the Eustachian Tube (3ET) system.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients were included in the study. Symptoms were localized to the external auditory canal (EAC) in 28 (38.4%), to the infratemporal fossa (ITF) below the lobule in 37 (50.7%), and to the preauricular region in 8 (11.0%). Demographics and medical history were similar between groups. The EAC group had significantly more negative tympanometric peak pressure (TPP) (median, -92.0 daPa; IQR, 95.5) and higher 3ET scores. In contrast, the ITF group had normal TPP (median, -2.0 daPa; IQR, 7.0) and higher 3ET scores. The preauricular group was more likely to have temporomandibular joint or pterygoid muscle pain. ETDQ-7 scores did not differ significantly between groups.

CONCLUSION

Symptom localization is associated with specific objective findings in the evaluation of aural discomfort. Patients with pain localizing to the ITF are more likely to have findings of eustachian tube salpingitis without obstruction whereas patients with symptoms deep in the EAC are more likely to have findings consistent with obstructive eustachian tube dysfunction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 2022.

Clinical Analysis of Ear Congestion after Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty (BET) with or without Tympanostomy Tube Insertion

Objective

To explore the clinical analysis of ear congestion after balloon Eustachian tuboplasty (BET) with or without tympanostomy tube insertion.

Methods

A total of 35patients (49 affected ears) with ear congestion following BET with or without tympanostomy tube insertion were recruited from the hospitalized patients from January 2015 to December 2017. The score of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7) 15, visual analogue scale (VAS), and Valsalva scores were recorded before and after operation, and the influencing factors of prognosis were analyzed. The duration of follow-up was 1-4 years.

Results

All patients showed significantly decreased average preoperative ETDQ-7 score, VAS, and Valsalva score after operation (p < 0.05). The significance of the surgery types, course of disease, severity of tympanic membrane retraction, and tympanogram tracings classification as influencing factors of prognosis did not come up to the statistical standard (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The patients showed relatively stable postoperative conditions after 3 years, and there were variations in the range of ETDQ-7 scores at 5 years postoperatively. Patients with levels I and II tympanic membrane retraction showed more favorable surgical effects. Surgical interventions are required for patients diagnosed with obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) after three months of conservative treatment without satisfactory results.

Tubomanometry correlations with patient characteristics and other diagnostic tests of Eustachian tube dysfunction: a cohort study of 432 ears

Objectives

Currently, there is no consensus regarding the best protocol for diagnosing Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). We aimed to evaluate how patient characteristics affect tubomanometry (TMM) results. If an association between patient characteristics and TMM results exists, this should be considered in TMM interpretation. We also wanted to study if TMM correlates with other diagnostic tools of ETD.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients with TMM results available from November 2011 to October 2020 at a tertiary referral center, including 432 ears from 219 patients. An association between diagnostic tests and patient characteristics was assessed using regression models. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to analyze correlations between diagnostic tests.

Results

None of the studied patient characteristics (age, gender, body mass index, smoking, sinonasal disease) was associated with TMM results except for pollen allergy (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.15–2.63, P = 0.009). TMM results correlated with Valsalva maneuver performance (P < 0.001, ρ = 0.31) and otomicroscopic signs of inadequate middle ear ventilation (P < 0.001, ρ = 0.28). The Eustachian tube dysfunction questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7) score did not correlate with any diagnostic method.

Conclusions

TMM results are unaffected by patient characteristics other than pollen allergy. Thus, TMM may be used in ETD diagnostics in a wide variety of patients with straightforward interpretation. TMM correlates with other diagnostic tests studied but not with ETDQ-7. ETDQ-7 does not seem to correlate with other diagnostic tests and appears nonspecific in ETD diagnostics.

Clinical value of the Eustachian Tube Function Scoring System T-ETDQ: a prospective diagnostic study

PURPOSE

Tubomanometry (TMM) and the seven-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) was integrated to establish the Tubomanometry Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (T-ETDQ), and its reliability, potential clinical application, and diagnostic value for Eustachian tube function were investigated.

METHODS

This prospective diagnostic study included patients visiting the ENT Department of our Hospital, between April and June 2021. Patients were grouped into Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and control groups according to tympanometry diagnosis results. The diagnostic value of the T-ETDQ was evaluated using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

There were 48 patients with Obstructive ETD and 24 patients without. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of T-ETDQ was 0.898 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.826-0.969), and the highest sensitivity and specificity were 76.7% and 86.7% respectively when the positive cutoff value was 4.72. The AUC of Eustachian tube score (ETS) was 0.731 (95% CI 0.625-0.837) and the highest sensitivity and specificity were 48.3% and 90.0% respectively when the positive cut-off value was 4.5. The ETS and T-ETDQ had kappa values of 0.311 and 0.585, respectively (P < 0.001 for both), showing both methods were comparable to tympanometry; however, T-ETDQ had more consistent results than ETS.

CONCLUSION

T-ETDQ can effectively quantify and evaluate ETD severity in adults, has a higher diagnostic value than ETS, making it a suitable diagnostic tool.

Repeat Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation Outcomes in Adults With Chronic Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

With increased focus on surgical management of the eustachian tube, clarifying management decisions benefits patients and surgeons. In this study, we examine the value of repeating the balloon dilation of the eustachian tube (BDET) procedure in patients who did not improve after the initial BDET.

STUDY DESIGN

Level IV retrospective review of 145 BDETs performed on 86 patients between January 1, 2014, and May 1, 2019, identified 10 patients who underwent BDET more than once.

SETTING

Managed care community otolaryngology practice.

METHODS

Demographic and outcome data were collected on both single and repeat BDET cohorts.

RESULTS

The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire 7 (ETDQ-7) was used as the primary outcome measure when comparing single vs repeat BDET cohorts. Generally, the 2 cohorts were similar in terms of sex and age distribution. Tobacco use and radioallergosorbent test-positive results were greater proportionally in the repeat BDET cohort. Preoperative ETDQ-7 scores were similar in both cohorts. Single BDET patients overall showed significant improvement in ETDQ-7 scores. ETDQ-7 scores for repeat BDET patients who did not improve after the first procedure similarly did not demonstrate improvement after the second procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Inevitably, some patients will not improve after an initial BDET procedure. The utility of a repeated BDET procedure should be considered in determining how to manage such failures. The results of this limited study suggest that patients who fail to improve meaningfully on ETDQ-7 scores after the initial procedure are unlikely to show substantial improvements after a repeated procedure.

Does concurrent adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy affect the graft success rate of cartilage myringoplasty in adults?

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the graft success and hearing outcomes of concurrent adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy and myringoplasty.

Methods

Medical case notes were reviewed for all adult patients with dry perforations who had undergone myringoplasty, with or without concurrent throat surgery, from December 2015 to February 2018. The study population was divided into concurrent myringoplasty and throat surgery (Group A) and single myringoplasty (Group B) groups. The air–bone gap (ABG) and graft success rate were evaluated in both groups.

Results

A total of 131 ears of 131 patients were included in this study. In total, 33 ears of 33 patients were assigned to Group A and 98 to Group B. Of the 33 patients in Group A, adenoid residue was detected in 3, chronic tonsillitis in 21, and tonsil hypertrophy in 9. The graft success rate was 96.9 % in Group A and 96.9 % in Group B at 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.993). In addition, the graft success rate was 87.9 % in Group A and 92.8 % in Group B at 24 months postoperatively (p = 0.372). Reperforation occurred in three patients in Group A and four in Group B; the difference was not significant. No significant group differences were observed in preoperative (p = 0.654) or postoperative (p = 0.791) ABG values or mean ABG gain (p = 0.439). No patient in either group developed cholesteatoma of the middle ear.

Conclusions

Simultaneous adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy and myringoplasty is feasible but does not improve the graft success rate or hearing outcome.

The effect of concurrent nasal surgery on the eustachian tube function and myringoplasty outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the Effect of concurrent nasal surgery on the eustachian tube function (ETF) and myringoplasty outcomes for the chronic perforations with coexistent nasal pathology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 93 patients with perforations who underwent same-day myringoplasty and nasal-septal surgery. Group A exhibited septal deviations (n = 34) and Group B inflammatory sinus disease (n = 59). Groups were compared with respect to pre- and postoperative air-bone gaps (ABGs), graft success rates and ETF (Eustachian tube score [ETS] and seven-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire [ETDQ-7]) at 6 and 24 months.

RESULTS

Graft success rates were 100.0% in Group A and 98.3% in Group B at 6 months postoperatively (P = 0.445). Graft success rates were 85.3% in Group A and 96.6% in Group B at 24 months postoperatively (P = 0.046), the re-perforation rate was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (P = 0.015). Although the preoperative ETS was similar between two groups, the postoperative ETS in the Group B was significantly higher compared with Group A regardless of at postoperative 6th and 24th months. In addition, difference was significant for the patients with positive Valsalva maneuver among two groups at postoperative 24th months. Also, the improvement in the ETDQ-7 score in the B group was significantly higher than that in the A group at postoperative 6th and 24th months.

CONCLUSIONS

Concurrent nasal surgery and myringoplasty is feasible. In addition, ESS improves ETF and thus long-term outcomes of myringoplasty for the chronic perforations with inflammatory sinus disease.

Efficacy of balloon Eustachian tuboplasty as a first line treatment for otitis media with effusion in children

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of ventilation tube insertion and balloon Eustachian tuboplasty as a first line treatment for otitis media with effusion in children.

METHOD

This was a retrospective evaluation of 62 children, 30 cases that underwent balloon Eustachian tuboplasty (group 1) and 32 cases that underwent ventilation tube insertion (group 2), from July 2016 to April 2018.

RESULTS

The pre-operative air-bone gap of patients who underwent balloon Eustachian tuboplasty was 15-35 dB (mean: 27.6 ± 8.2 dB). The mean pre-operative air-bone gap decreased to 9.6 dB after a mean of 14.4 months (p < 0.05). The air-bone gap decreased from 25.6 dB to 17.6 dB in the ventilation tube group. There was a significant improvement in the air-bone gap values in both groups; however, this decrease was significantly higher in the balloon Eustachian tuboplasty group (p = 0.043).

CONCLUSION

Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty may be an effective and safe method for use as a first-line treatment of otitis media with effusion in children.

Interpretation of Normal and Abnormal Tympanogram Findings in Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the relationship between objective tympanogram values and patient-reported symptoms and associations with common comorbid conditions.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study with prospective data collection.

SETTING

Tertiary medical center.

METHODS

Patients undergoing routine audiometric evaluation between October 2018 and June 2019 were included. Participants with temporomandibular joint dysfunction, inner ear hydrops, and similar conditions were excluded. Symptoms were assessed with the 7-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire. Demographics and medical comorbidities were recorded from the medical record. Analysis of tympanometric peak pressure (TPP), demographics, and comorbidities was performed to determine associations with clinically significant eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) symptoms.

RESULTS

A total of 250 patients were included with similar demographics: 101 (40.4%) in the asymptomatic group and 149 (59.6%) in the symptomatic group. The median (interquartile range) TPP was -10 (20) daPa and -25 (100) daPa in the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups, respectively. A diagnosis of rhinitis was more likely to be associated with significant ETD symptoms (adjusted odds ratio, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.23-5.63). A subgroup analysis revealed that symptomatic patients with normal TPP values were negatively skewed as compared with asymptomatic patients. This symptomatic group had a higher prevalence of rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis than the asymptomatic group.

CONCLUSION

Patients with symptoms of ETD may have a TPP within a range typically considered normal per conventional standards. This suggests that the currently accepted interpretation of tympanometry findings may be insensitive for the diagnosis of less severe cases of ETD.

Is there a relationship between Eustachian tube dysfunction and nasal septal deviation in a sample of the Lebanese population?

Background

The Eustachian tube (ET) is considered an organ by itself due to its specific functions. An ET Dysfunction (ETD) is discussed when this tube is unable to ventilate the middle ear properly. Clinically, the patient reports usually some aural fullness, “popping”, “under water” sensation as if the ear is clogged. This condition is common affecting at least 5% of the adult population. It can impair quality of life and become disabling. On the other side, the prevalence of nasal septal deviation (NSD) is believed to be around 22.83% in the adult population. Nasal septal deviation is thought to cause a decline in the middle ear ventilation according to certain authors. The primary outcome is to define the predictive value of the side of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) symptoms vis-à-vis the side of nasal septal deviation (NSD) in patients having the two conditions concomitantly.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2018 and September 2019. Overall, 60 consecutive subjects (total of 120 ears), randomly seen at the Otorhinolaryngology Outpatient Clinics at the Eye and Ear International Hospital, Lebanon, all year-round were enrolled and tested without any geographic preferences. The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ) -7 questionnaire was used to evaluate ETD.

Results

A significantly higher ETD score was found in males compared to females, in those with left septal deviation compared to right and in those who have symptoms on the left compared to right side. Frequent exposure to higher changes in altitude (commute from home to workplace) was also significantly associated with higher ETD scores (r = 0.265), whereas higher Left Tympanometric peak pressure (TPP in daPa) on tympanometry was significantly associated with lower ETD score (r = − 0.467). Furthermore, 25 patients who had symptoms on the left side had also a septal deviation to the left side (86.2%), whereas 29 (93.5%) patients who had the symptoms on the right side had septal deviation to the right side (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our data highlighted the importance of altitude and geographic distribution of patients especially in a population exposed to barotrauma on a daily basis like the Lebanese population. Tympanometry, on the other hand, failed to correlate with patient reported symptoms and thus needs further evaluation. The reported ETD symptoms of the patient correlates to the side of NSD.

Eustachian tube dysfunction in patients with house dust mite-allergic rhinitis

Background

One of the important pathogeneses of eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is nasal inflammatory disease. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) in adults ranges from 10 to 30% worldwide. However, research on the status of eustachian tubes in AR patients is still very limited.

Methods

This prospective controlled cross-sectional study recruited 59 volunteers and 59 patients with AR from Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for AR symptoms and seven-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) scores were collected for both groups. Nasal endoscopy, tympanography and eustachian tube pressure measurement (tubomanometry, TMM) were used for objective assessment. All AR patients underwent 1 month of treatment with mometasone furoate nasal spray and oral loratadine. Then, the nasal condition and eustachian tube status were again evaluated.

Results

TMM examination revealed that 22 patients (39 ears, 33.1%) among the AR patients and 5 healthy controls (7 ears, 5.9%) had abnormal eustachian pressure. Twenty-two AR patients (37.3%) and 9 healthy controls had an ETDQ-7 score ≥ 15. With regard to nasal symptoms of AR, the VAS scores of nasal obstruction were correlated with the ETDQ-7 scores, and the correlation coefficient was r = 0.5124 (p < 0.0001). Nasal endoscopic scores were also positively correlated with ETDQ-7 scores, with a correlation coefficient of 0.7328 (p < 0.0001). After 1 month of treatment, VAS scores of nasal symptoms, endoscopic scores and ETDQ-7 scores were significantly decreased in AR patients (p < 0.0001), and TMM examination also suggested that eustachian tube function was significantly improved after treatment (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

AR patients, especially those with severe nasal obstruction, could have ETD. The local conditions of the pharyngeal orifices of the eustachian tubes are closely related to the symptoms of ETD. After treatment with nasal glucocorticoids and oral antihistamines, eustachian tube function can significantly improve as nasal symptoms subside.

Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registery (ChiCTR2000029071) Registered 12 January 2020—Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=48328&htm=4

Role of Allergy in Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) presents with symptoms of aural fullness and pressure, muffled hearing, tinnitus, and otalgia. When severe, it can lead to many common ear disorders such as otitis media with effusion, tympanic membrane retraction/perforation, and cholesteatoma. These diseases are prevalent in both the pediatric and adult population and significantly impact quality of life. The pathophysiology of ETD in the absence of an obstructive lesion has long been debated but is thought to be related to functional obstruction (i.e., inefficient tensor veli palatini muscle) and/or nasal cavity and nasopharyngeal inflammation. In the acute setting, the most common cause of nasal inflammation is an upper respiratory infection. When symptoms become chronic, however, the inflammation is thought to be associated with nasal irritants such as nasal allergens, i.e., allergic rhinitis (AR). The purpose of this review is to summarize our current understanding of the relationship between allergy and ETD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Past studies are either lacking or have reported equivocal findings regarding the relationship between allergy and ETD, and the 2018 International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis has deemed the current level of evidence linking AR and ETD as low quality. A more recent study using a large adult population dataset did support an association between AR and ETD, but did not find that all cases of ETD are related to allergies. Furthermore, current evidence suggests that the use of medications that can decrease intranasal inflammation, such as intranasal corticosteroids or oral antihistamines, does not result in significant symptomatic improvement in patients with ETD. However, these studies included all patients with ETD, and evidence is lacking regarding the treatment effect of these medications on the subset of patients with concurrent AR and ETD. Current best evidence does support an association between AR and ETD; however, not all patients with ETD suffer from AR, and vice versa. Further research is necessary to understand the mechanism behind this positive association and to elucidate the cause of chronic ETD in patients without associated allergies.

Allergy and Otitis Media in Clinical Practice

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Otitis media (OM) is a disease with very high prevalence in infancy, substantial burden on healthcare resources, and relevant impact on the quality of life of families. The link between OM and allergy is controversial and still debated. However, a fundamental premise has to be placed before introducing this topic: there is the need to use clear and unambiguous terms. Literature abounds with misleading terms that significantly affect the methodology and consequently the outcomes. Moreover, it is essential to differentiate patients according to the OM type (i.e., acute OM, OM with effusion, and chronic suppurative OM), the allergic disease, and mainly the age.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are some recent studies exploring this issue through different approaches, such as epidemiological, mechanistic, and therapeutic. To identify allergy as a pathogenic factor for OM could improve the management of OM patients. Vice versa, to suspect allergy in OM patients could be reasonable in selected patients. The current narrative review provides an overview of the evidence concerning the potential role of allergy in OM. As there are conflicting findings, a possible interpretation of pathophysiological events and a pragmatic approach are proposed.

The Effect of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery on Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Symptoms

OBJECTIVE

We assessed how eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) changed with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and identified factors associated with improvement.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Academic center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyposis (CRSwNP, CRSsNP) or recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS) completed the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire 7 (ETDQ-7) preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Included in analyses were demographics, comorbidities, Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22), radiographic score, endoscopy score, procedure, and medication use. Regression analysis identified factors associated with improvement, defined as ΔETDQ-7 >3.5.

RESULTS

In total, 302 patients were studied. ETD prevalence was 68% in CRSsNP, 48% in CRSwNP, and 88% in RARS. Patients with ETD had a mean baseline ETDQ-7 of 25.8 ± 8.0 and improved postoperatively at 2 weeks (19.9 ± 8.1, P < .001), 6 weeks (17.8 ± 9.3, P < .001), 3 months (16.8 ± 8.5, P < .001), and 6 months (16.4 ± 7.9, P < .001). At 6 months, ETD improved in 89% of patients with CRSsNP, 68% with CRSwNP, and 78% with RARS. On multivariate analysis, ETD improvement was associated with higher preoperative ETDQ-7 score (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.22; P = .030), higher preoperative SNOT-22 score (aOR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08; P = .001), higher preoperative SNOT-22 ear subscore (aOR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.02-1.65; P = .034), posterior ethmoidectomy (aOR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.22-4.92; P = .025), and postoperative corticosteroid spray use (aOR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.17-1.66; P = .008).

CONCLUSION

ETD symptoms often improve following ESS. Factors associated with improvement include higher preoperative disease burden, posterior ethmoidectomy, and postoperative corticosteroid spray.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

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.

The prevalence of eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms in temporomandibular joint disorder patients

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Ear fullness and pressure is a common complaint seen in otolaryngology clinics and frequently is attributed to eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). In addition to traditional tympanometry and physical examination, the seven-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) has recently been used to aid in the diagnosis of ETD and to assess its severity. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) is a common condition that causes similar symptoms to ETD and has been recognized as a potential confounding condition in patients presenting with ETD symptoms. We sought to determine the cross-sectional prevalence of ETD symptoms in patients with TMJD using the ETDQ-7.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional analysis.

METHODS

An analysis was performed of ETDQ-7 scores in patients diagnosed with TMJD.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients with confirmed TMJD completed the ETDQ-7 at routine consult or follow-up for their TMJD. The mean ± standard deviation ETDQ-7 score for the cohort was 24.5 ± 12.5. Two-thirds of patients had an ETDQ-7 score of >14.5, which has been used in the literature to denote clinically significant ETD. No single question was scored significantly higher than the others.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptoms of ETD are highly prevalent among patients with TMJD determined by patient-reported outcome measures. It is not clear if these symptoms reflect true derangement of eustachian tube function in these patients or whether there is only clinical similarity between ETD and TMJD. However, future research efforts may resolve this dilemma.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 130:E233-E236, 2020.