Research

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and Risk Factors

Risk Factors and Potential Causes of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Adults with Clinically Diagnosed Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion and/or Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Protocol Description

This is a study of Eustachian tube function and anatomy in adults who have a working plastic tube(s) in their eardrum because of fluid in the middle ear or poor Eustachian tube function. Participants will be evaluated for risk factors, including allergy and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Eustachian tube function will be tested using standard methods. Eustachian tube anatomy will be evaluated using videoendoscopy. This will help determine if Eustachian tube function can be related to its anatomy.

Eligibility Criteria

Subject to certain exclusion criteria, the study is open to adults of both genders and all ages with at least one working tube in their eardrums, previously inserted due to otitis media or a diagnosis of Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Men: 18 and older
Women: 18 and older

Requirements
Participants will make a single visit to Children’s Middle Ear Physiology Laboratory in Oakland, where their ears will be evaluated using Eustachian tube function testing and videoendoscopy (a tube inserted in the nose to look at of the back of the nose and throat and the opening of the Eustachian tube). A medical history will be taken and a blood sample drawn.
Visits: 1

Status: Open for Enrollment

Source of Support
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

Additional Resources
Study description at the National Institutes of Health