Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Abstract

Indication in the literature exists for improvement of Eustachian tube function following drug administration. However there is contradictory evidence as well. It therefore seems urgent to clarify this discrepancy. Therefore the Eustachian tube function was studied by registration of spontaneous equilibration capacity and residual middle ear pressure after equilibration. Pressure equalizing technique was used. The tests were used on 25 ears before administration of phenylpropanolamine. Tests were repeated 2 hours later and also after one week during which drug was administered. A double blind technique was used. Test results revealed clearly no difference in the Eustachian tube function test between cases treated with phenylpropanolamine and those treated with placebo. The high incidence of spontaneous remission of serous/mucoid otitis media is pointed out and a conservative treatment under medical control is advocated. In long standing cases of serous/mucoid otitis media treatment with ventilating tubes is recommended.