Eustachian tube dysfunction is prevalent in both paediatric and adult populations. Current clinical guidelines recommend observation over topical intranasal corticosteroids for Eustachian tube dysfunction management, which remains controversial. This study aimed to systematically review randomised, controlled trials assessing topical intranasal corticosteroid efficacy in Eustachian tube dysfunction, and analyse effect through tympanometric normalisation.

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were searched. All randomised, controlled trials assessing intranasal corticosteroids in adult or paediatric Eustachian tube dysfunction patients were included. A meta-analysis of proportions was used to evaluate tympanogram normalisation.

Of 330 results, eight randomised, controlled trials met inclusion criteria and underwent qualitative data synthesis and risk-of-bias analysis. Meta-analysis of tympanometry data from four eligible trials (n = 512 ears) revealed no significant difference in tympanometric normalisation between intranasal corticosteroids and control (odds ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval 0.65–2.24).

Study results do not strongly support intranasal corticosteroids for Eustachian tube dysfunction. Data were limited, emphasising the need for larger, higher quality, randomised, controlled trials.

Cocaine is one of the most used recreational drugs. Whilst medical uses exist, chronic recreational nasal use of cocaine is associated with progressive destruction of the osseocartilaginous structures of the nose, sinuses and palate – termed cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions.

A 43-year-old male with a history of chronic cocaine use, presented with conductive hearing loss and unilateral middle-ear effusion. Examination under anaesthesia revealed a completely stenosed left Eustachian tube orifice with intra-nasal adhesions. The adhesions were divided and the hearing loss was treated conservatively with hearing aids. Whilst intra-nasal cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions are a well-described condition, this is the first known report of Eustachian tube stenosis associated with cocaine use.

This unique report highlights the importance of thorough history-taking, rhinological and otological examination, and audiometric testing when assessing patients with a history of chronic cocaine use. This paper demonstrates the complexity of managing hearing loss in such cases, with multiple conservative and surgical options available.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the use of different types of masks (N95/filtering facepiece type 2, surgical) and Eustachian tube dysfunction in healthcare workers.

The study included 37 healthcare workers using N95/filtering facepiece type 2 masks and 35 using surgical masks for at least 6 hours per day, and 42 volunteers who are not healthcare workers using surgical masks for less than 6 hours per day. Participants’ demographic features, clinical data and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire scores were compared.

The frequencies of autophony and aural fullness were significantly higher in the healthcare workers using N95/filtering facepiece type 2 masks. Autophony and aural fullness were significantly greater in the post-mask period than the pre-mask period. Middle-ear peak pressures and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire scores were higher in healthcare workers who used N95/filtering facepiece type 2 masks.

Healthcare workers who used N95/filtering facepiece type 2 masks had worsened middle-ear pressures and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire scores. Use of N95/filtering facepiece type 2 masks was associated with higher rates of autophony, aural fullness and higher Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire scores in the post-mask period.

To systematically identify the complications associated with balloon Eustachian tuboplasty and their frequency of occurrence. This study will also highlight the measures that can be employed to avoid these complications and perform this procedure more safely.

Systematically reviewed relevant papers published until January 2023. Each reference was checked and evaluated for any potential manuscripts. There was no registered protocol; the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was used.

Sixty-nine publications were found, from which 14 publications met our inclusion criteria: 2 randomised clinical trials, 5 retrospective studies, 2 systematic reviews, 2 case series and 3 case reports. Studies with balloon Eustachian tuboplasty procedure only were included, regardless of ethnicity, gender and age. All studies were excluded in which more than one procedure was performed.

Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty is a relatively safe procedure with an overall complication risk of 1.66 per cent. Major complication rate was 0.43 per cent. Surgical emphysema was the most common, around 0.40 per cent.

As autophony can be accompanied by several conditions, it is important to find co-morbidities. This paper reports a patient with Kennedy's disease (spinobulbar muscular atrophy, an X-linked, hereditary, lower motor neuron disease) having autophony as the first symptom.

A 62-year-old male presented to the otorhinolaryngology department with autophony that began 2 years previously and worsened after losing weight 3 months prior to presentation. Otoscopic examination demonstrated inward and outward movement of the tympanic membrane, synchronised with respiration. Although he had no other symptoms, facial twitching was found on physical examination. In the neurology department, lower motor neuron disease, with subtle weakness of the tongue, face and upper limbs, and gynaecomastia, were confirmed. He was diagnosed with Kennedy's disease based on genetic analysis.

Autophonia was presumed to be attributed to bulbofacial muscle weakness due to Kennedy's disease, and worsened by recent weight loss. Patients with autophony require a thorough history-taking and complete physical examination to assess the nasopharynx and the integrity of lower cranial function.

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of employing a Eustachian tube video endoscope with a supporting balloon as a viable treatment and examination option for patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction.

A study involving nine fresh human cadaver heads was conducted to investigate the potential of balloon dilatation Eustachian tuboplasty using a Eustachian tube video endoscope and a supporting balloon catheter. The Eustachian tube cavity was examined with the Eustachian tube video endoscope during the procedure, which involved the dilatation of the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube with the supporting balloon catheter.

The utilisation of the Eustachian tube video endoscope in conjunction with the supporting balloon catheter demonstrated technical ease during the procedure, with no observed damage to essential structures, particularly the Eustachian tube cavity.

This newly introduced method of dilatation and examination of the Eustachian tube cavity using a Eustachian tube video endoscope and the supporting balloon is a feasible, safe procedure.

This study aimed to analyse the computed tomography parameters for effective ventilation in patients with adhesive otitis media.

Twenty-six patients with unilateral adhesive otitis media were included in the study. The patients’ temporal bone computed tomography images were retrospectively reviewed. Eustachian tube length and diameter were measured. Mastoid pneumatisation and middle-ear size were evaluated by measuring petroclival and Eustachian tube–tympanic cavity ventilation angles.

The average Eustachian tube length was 38.4 mm and 38.9 mm in adhesive otitis media and healthy ears, respectively. The Eustachian tube diameter of the adhesive otitis media ears (1.47 mm) was significantly narrower than that of the healthy ears (1.83 mm). There were no significant differences in the angles between adhesive otitis media and healthy ears.

A narrow Eustachian tube diameter was associated with developing adhesive otitis media. Measuring Eustachian tube diameter is simple and can be routinely performed when examining temporal bone computed tomography images for Eustachian tube function evaluation.

This study investigated the relationship between physical dimensions of the Eustachian tube and the emergence of primary attic cholesteatoma.

A total of 31 patients with unilateral attic cholesteatoma were selected for radiological comparison. Standard point measurements as well as specific measurements were performed using imaging software. The length, narrowest diameter and bony segment volume, and pharyngeal orifice diameter of both sides of the Eustachian tube (attic cholesteatoma and healthy control ears) were measured and compared.

Comparison of the values did not reveal any statistically significant difference between the attic cholesteatoma ears and the healthy control ears in terms of: Eustachian tube height, narrowest diameter, bony segment volume or pharyngeal orifice diameter.

No statistically significant difference was found between the cholesteatoma ears and the healthy control ears in terms of the osseous Eustachian tube size. The findings indicate that the Eustachian tube bony segment dimensions and pharyngeal orifice diameter are not factors in attic cholesteatoma development.

Cleft palates are one of the most common congenital malformations. Because of the loss of Eustachian tube function, middle-ear ventilation is reduced. The aim of this study was to determine if middle-ear effusions were present at birth or at the three-month audiological evaluation.

A total of 53 children with a cleft palate were included. Data review included the results of newborn hearing screening, microscopic findings, a tympanometry, a free field audiometry and intra-operative findings.

A total of 58.4 per cent of patients had a median, 26.4 per cent had a bilateral, 11.3 per cent had a unilateral and 3.8 per cent had a limited soft palate cleft. Newborn hearing screening showed a pass in 83.1 per cent of newborns bilaterally. The first ear microscopy showed a bilateral middle-ear effusion in 90.6 per cent of cases. During cleft surgery, bilateral paracentesis was performed in all cases, and in 90.6 per cent middle-ear effusion was sucked out.

The majority of children with a cleft palate do not present with middle-ear effusion at birth. It develops within several days or weeks of life.

Decades of clinical observation have led our subspecialty team to suspect that negative nasopharyngeal pressure is associated with attic retraction pocket formation. Furthermore, LaPlace's law, which states that the pressure within a sphere varies with the inverse of the radius, provides the dynamic explanation for why the attic area of the tympanic membrane tends to retract more frequently than the pars tensa.

The attic retraction pockets of 154 patients were classified into grades of severity (grades I–V). Impedance audiometry of middle-ear pressure was measured in the resting state, and after sniffing, swallowing and the Valsalva manoeuvre.

Negative nasopharyngeal pressure (sniffing) caused a diminution of middle-ear pressure of −5 daPa on average in normal ears, and of −24 daPa to −45 daPa for tympanic membranes with attic retraction pockets of grade I to grade V.

Attic retraction pockets are associated with greater collapse of middle-ear volume when negative pressure is created in the nasopharynx. LaPlace's law, and the composition of the pars flaccida, suggests an explanation for why the attic region retracts more than the pars tensa.

This study aimed to analyse if there were any associations between patulous Eustachian tube occurrence and climatic factors and seasonality.

The correlation between the monthly average number of patients diagnosed with patulous Eustachian tube and climatic factors in Seoul, Korea, from January 2010 to December 2016, was statistically analysed using national data sets.

The relative risk for patulous Eustachian tube occurrence according to season was significantly higher in summer and autumn, and lower in winter than in spring (relative risk (95 per cent confidence interval): 1.334 (1.267–1.404), 1.219 (1.157–1.285) and 0.889 (0.840–0.941) for summer, autumn and winter, respectively). Temperature, atmospheric pressure and relative humidity had a moderate positive (r = 0.648), negative (r = –0.601) and positive (r = 0.492) correlation with the number of patulous Eustachian tube cases, respectively.

The number of patulous Eustachian tube cases was highest in summer and increased in proportion to changes in temperature and humidity, which could be due to physiological changes caused by climatic factors or diet trends.

Eustachian tube dysfunction is a known complication following radiotherapy to the head and neck region. Unfortunately, treatment options are limited, with significant associated morbidity. Balloon Eustachian tube dilatation has been used successfully to treat Eustachian tube dysfunction; hence, this study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of this method in treating Eustachian tube dysfunction in post-radiotherapy patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

This interventional cohort pilot study on patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction compared those with nasopharyngeal carcinoma to patients without. Outcome assessment was based on tympanometry type and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire score.

A total of 14 ears (12 patients) were tested. Only 14 per cent of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cohort showed improvement, while 71 per cent of the non-nasopharyngeal carcinoma group were successfully treated. No significant adverse effect was reported in any patient during this study.

Balloon Eustachian tube dilatation was not shown to be beneficial for post-radiotherapy Eustachian tube dysfunction in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients in the preliminary stages of this pilot study.

Serous otitis media is a recognised presentation of Eustachian tube dysfunction secondary to post-nasal space pathology. Post-nasal space biopsies are commonly taken in patients with isolated serous otitis media, despite normal nasendoscopy findings, without robust evidence for doing so. This study examined cases of unilateral serous otitis media with effusion in adults. It is the largest known retrospective study to investigate whether post-nasal space biopsies are indicated in non-endemic regions.

A retrospective analysis was performed of 119 patients who underwent post-nasal space biopsy because of isolated serous otitis media, in a tertiary referral centre, from 2007 to 2017. Endoscopic examination and final histological report findings were reviewed.

Of the 119 patients identified, 6 (5.0 per cent) were found to have abnormal histology. In all six cases, suspicious clinical findings had been noted on nasendoscopic examination prior to biopsy.

Suspicious findings pre-operatively predict sinister pathology. Biopsies are not recommended in cases of adult serous otitis media with normal nasendoscopy findings if no other risk factors exist. A UK-wide retrospective study or prospective study over the next 10 years will help provide the evidence necessary to support this guidance.

Patulous Eustachian tube appears to be caused by a concave defect in the anterolateral wall of the tubal valve of the Eustachian tube. This study aimed to compare the clinical features of patulous Eustachian tube patients with or without a defect in the anterolateral wall of the tubal valve.

Sixty-six patients with a patulous Eustachian tube completed a questionnaire, which was evaluated alongside endoscopic findings of the tympanic membrane, nasal cavity and Eustachian tube orifice.

Females were more frequently diagnosed with a patulous Eustachian tube, but the valve defect was more common in males (p = 0.007). The ratio of patulous Eustachian tube patients with or without defects in the anterolateral wall of the tubal valve was 1.6:1. Weight loss in the previous six months and being refractory to conservative management were significantly associated with the defect (p = 0.035 and 0.037, respectively). Symptom severity was significantly higher in patients with the defect.

Patulous Eustachian tube patients without a defect in the anterolateral wall of the tubal valve can be non-surgically treated more often than those with the defect. Identification of the defect could assist in making treatment decisions for patulous Eustachian tube patients.

Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty is a surgical management option for Eustachian tube dysfunction; it has shown promising results in studies worldwide, but has had limited uptake in the UK. This study reports long-term outcomes for patients offered balloon Eustachian tuboplasty for chronic dilatory and baro-challenge-induced Eustachian tube dysfunction, and describes practical experience gained from its implementation.

Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty was conducted in 25 patients (36 ears) with Eustachian tube dysfunction over three years. Information on presenting symptoms and signs, audiometric findings, tympanometry, and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 scores were recorded pre- and post-operatively with a minimum follow up of one year.

Sixteen (64 per cent) of the 25 patients demonstrated symptom resolution after balloon Eustachian tuboplasty according to the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7. Fourteen (64 per cent) of the 22 patients with a type B or C tympanogram pre-operatively, had a type A trace post-operatively. Fifteen (75 per cent) of 20 patients with pre-operative conductive hearing loss showed improvement post-operatively, and 11 (50 per cent) of 22 patients with pre-operative middle-ear effusion or tympanic membrane retraction showed resolution.

Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty can improve subjective and objective measures of Eustachian tube dysfunction, and provide longer-term resolution.

Defining the risk factors for Eustachian tube dysfunction can facilitate its prevention. It is hypothesised that Eustachian tube dysfunction as measured by the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 is associated with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.

The questionnaire was systematically translated into Hebrew and validated in the accepted manner. This questionnaire was applied to obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome patients before and after expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty, in pre-set time intervals. The results were compared to those of controls from the general population.

Thirty-one patients (males:females = 19:12) were enrolled in the obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome group. Mean age was 43 years (range, 31–55 years) and mean body mass index was 28 kg/m2 (range, 27–30 kg/m2). Median apnoea-hypopnea index (pre-operatively) was 34 events per hour. The questionnaire scores in expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty candidates were significantly worse than in controls (p < 0.001). Expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty did not change Eustachian tube function in the long term, but was associated with additional self-limiting Eustachian tube dysfunction in the first two post-operative months.

Eustachian tube dysfunction is significantly worse in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome compared to controls. Expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty is not associated with Eustachian tube function improvement.

Topical nasal decongestants are frequently used as part of the medical management of symptoms related to Eustachian tube dysfunction.

This study aimed to assess the effect of topical xylometazoline hydrochloride sprayed in the anterior part of the nose on Eustachian tube active and passive opening in healthy ears.

Active and passive Eustachian tube function was assessed in healthy subjects before and after intranasal administration of xylometazoline spray, using tympanometry, video otoscopy, sonotubometry, tubo-tympano-aerodynamic-graphy and tubomanometry.

Resting middle-ear pressures were not significantly different following decongestant application. Eustachian tube opening rate was not significantly different following the intervention, as measured by all function tests used. Sonotubometry data showed a significant increase in the duration of Eustachian tube opening following decongestant application.

There remains little or no evidence that topical nasal decongestants improve Eustachian tube function. Sonotubometry findings do suggest that further investigation with an obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction patient cohort is warranted.

To explore the opinions of the UK consultant body on endoscopic Eustachian tube balloon dilatation in the context of Eustachian tube dysfunction.

A 10-question online survey was distributed to ENT consultants currently practising in the UK (July–September 2018).

A total of 137 ENT consultants responded. Twenty-three per cent reported experience of Eustachian tube balloon dilatation, with a further 10 per cent planning to start performing the procedure. Of those performing the procedure, 16 per cent had more than two years’ experience. Thirty-two per cent were performing zero to five procedures a year. Eustachian tube balloon dilatation was primarily conducted to treat Eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms, as well as retraction pockets, baro-challenge-induced Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media with effusion. The most common reason for not undertaking Eustachian tube balloon dilatation was insufficient evidence of efficacy (65 per cent). Seventy-two per cent of consultants thought that creating a national database for audit and monitoring purposes would benefit the specialty.

The majority of UK ENT consultants do not practise Eustachian tube balloon dilatation, citing a lack of high-level evidence to support its use. A national database for auditing and research could facilitate the creation of guidelines.

To assess the effect of topical betahistine on Eustachian tube function in subjectively abnormal subjects in a hyperbaric chamber.

Active and passive Eustachian tube function was examined using tympanometry in a pressure chamber.

Active Eustachian tube function was tested against the negative middle ear pressure induced by increasing the chamber pressure to +3 kPa. One voluntary swallow decreased middle-ear pressure by a mean of 1.36 kPa. Passive Eustachian tube function was tested by measuring spontaneous Eustachian tube openings as the chamber pressure dropped from +10 kPa to ambient. Four distinct patterns of Eustachian tube behaviour were seen, three of which indicated Eustachian tube dysfunction. Betahistine had no positive effect on Eustachian tube opening, although previous animal studies had suggested a beneficial effect.

Topical betahistine had no effect on Eustachian tube function. Combining a hyperbaric chamber with tympanometry proved ideal for evaluating Eustachian tube function.

Autoinflation devices are commonly used for otitis media with effusion and Eustachian tube dysfunction. Generally, these are very safe devices, with few or no complications.

This paper presents a case study of pneumocephalus and orbital emphysema, associated with the use of an autoinflation device, in a 73-year-old woman with Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media with effusion, and a history of extensive endoscopic sinus surgery 13 years previously.

A literature review showed autoinflation-related pneumocephalus in patients with skull base defects relating to cranial surgery or tumours; however, this has not been described previously with the Otovent system or its use in relation to functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Given the theoretical risk of undetected bony abnormalities in post-operative functional endoscopic sinus surgery patients, it is suggested that autoinflation devices are used cautiously in patients with a history of sinus surgery.