Research

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and Effects of Simethicone

Effects of Simethicone on Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Protocol Description

This study examines the effects of simethicone on relieving middle ear pressure for adults with a “cold.” Simethicone, a drug long-used for relief of excess gas in the gastrointestinal tract, may have potential to improve Eustachian tube function. In children and adults, middle ear diseases such as otitis media (the build-up of fluid within the middle ear) and a form of temporary hearing loss occur if the Eustachian tube does not open, or does not open often enough, or is always open.

Eligibility Criteria

Subject to certain exclusion criteria, the study is open to adults of both genders, ages 18 to 50, who are within 10 days of the onset of an upper respiratory infection, or “cold,”. Having working tympanostomy tubes or middle-ear effusion (fluid build-up) are exclusions.
Men: 18 to 50
Women: 18 to 50

Requirements
Participants will be examined at Children’s Middle Ear Physiology Laboratory in Oakland, where they will be provided with either a chewable simethicone tablet or a placebo. Eustachian tube function will be tested before and after taking the tablet.
Visits: 1

Status: Open for Enrollment

Additional Resources
Study description at the National Institutes of Health