Relationship of Pre-Operative Eustachian Tube Function to Myringoplasty

Abstract

The ventilatory function of the Eustachian tube has been measured in eighty cases prior to myringoplasty. Three grades of good, moderate and poor Eustachian function are described depending on the residual negative intratympanic pressure. 80X of cam operated on with good and moderate grades of Eustachian function (less than - 200 mm residual negative pressure), had a healed tympanic membrane, a hearing improvement, and an air containing middle ear cavity. However, only 29% of cases operated on with poor Eustachian function had a similarly successful result. Limitations of the “negative middle ear pressure test” are discussed, but it is suggested that this test is useful regarding a decision about the optimum time for closure of a perforation by myringoplasty or other form of tympanoplasty.