The influence of nasal respiration on the function of the auditory tube

Middle ear pressure after septoplasty

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the level of middle ear pressure and alterations in middle ear pressure levels after septoplasty among the individuals having advanced degree isolated nasal septal deviation.

METHODS

A prospective randomized study was conducted. The study included 72 adult patients who had severely deviated septum. The middle ear pressure values at both sides of nasal obstruction and opposite side were determined using tympanometry before the surgery and at postoperative week 3. The middle ear pressure values were divided into 2 groups, side of nasal obstruction (group 1) and opposite nonaffected side (group 2). The middle ear pressure values obtained before and after septoplasty were compared.

RESULTS

Before the septoplasty, the median middle ear pressure value was -54 dPa at the side of nasal obstruction, and -46 dPa at the opposite side. Three weeks after the septoplasty, it was -38 dPa at the side of nasal obstruction, and -40 dPa at the opposite side. The middle ear pressure improved by approximately 30% at the side of nasal obstruction and by 11% at the nonaffected side; a statistically significant decrease was found at the side of nasal obstruction (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In adult patients with isolated nasal septum deviation, the middle ear pressure is lower at the side of nasal obstruction, but it remains within reference ranges. An approximately 30% improvement occurs in the middle ear pressure after septoplasty.

Sinonasal symptoms in adults with ear disease

Background:

The association between eustachian tube dysfunction and middle-ear effusion is well established. Studies have also demonstrated pathological changes affecting the middle-ear mucosa associated with chronic sinonasal inflammation. No previous studies have evaluated symptoms related to sinonasal inflammatory disease in different ear diseases.

Objective:

To assess the presence of sinonasal symptoms in ear diseases using the Dundee Rhinogram.

Methods:

Data were collected prospectively in the period February–October 2011. Sinonasal symptoms were graded using the Dundee Rhinogram. Student'st-test analyses were performed to identify any statistically significant associations.

Results:

In total, 164 patients were assessed. There was a statistically significant association between sinonasal symptoms and mucosal middle-ear diseases (p < 0.005). The mean sinonasal symptoms score for mucosal middle-ear disease patients was 5.94 (range, 0–32).

Conclusion:

Assessment of sinonasal symptoms is paramount in patients presenting with an ear symptom; inflammatory sinonasal disease treatment may become necessary in the management of middle-ear mucosal disease for better patient outcome.