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Paper patching of the tympanic membrane as a symptomatic treatment for patulous eustachian tube syndrome

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 February 2014

M Boedts
M Boedts*
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, AZ Maria Middelares, Ghent, Belgium
*
Address for correspondence: Dr M Boedts, Department of ENT, AZ Maria Middelares, Kortrijksesteenweg 1026, 9000 Ghent, Belgium Fax: +32 9 2220809 E-mail: Michael.boedts@gmail.com
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Abstract

Background:

Application of one or several paper patches on the tympanic membrane can improve autophony and other symptoms in some patients with a patulous eustachian tube.

Method:

The charts of 21 patients treated for patulous eustachian tube syndrome between 2006 and 2011 were studied for subjective improvement of symptoms following the application of paper patches.

Results:

Paper patching of the tympanic membrane provided symptomatic relief in 76.2 per cent of patients; relief was permanent in 50 per cent of these patients.

Conclusion:

Paper patching of the tympanic membrane is a simple and effective means of temporarily or permanently alleviating patulous eustachian tube syndrome symptoms. It is postulated that the patches decrease the admittance of low- to mid-frequency acoustic input at the tympanic membrane by increasing the stiffness of the tympanic membrane, thereby counteracting the middle-ear cushion effect caused by the open eustachian tube.

Keywords

Eustachian TubeMiddle EarTympanic MembraneVibration
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 128 , Issue 3 , March 2014 , pp. 228 - 235
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2014 

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