Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Test Comparison

Gas Supply, Demand and Middle Ear Gas Balance, Part 4.3 – Diagnosis of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Protocol Description

Through this study researchers hope to determine which of the many Eustachian tube function tests or combination of tests is most helpful in determining the cause of ear problems in children and adult patients with middle ear diseases thought to be due to poor Eustachian tube function.

Eligibility Criteria

Subject to exclusion criteria, the study is accepting healthy individuals of both genders, including those ages 3 to 70 years who have diagnosed or suspected Eustachian tube dysfunction or middle ear disease and those ages 18 to 60 years who have no history of disease caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Males and Females: Ages 3 to 70

Requirements

Participants will be seen by investigators once if they have Eustachian tube dysfunction and twice if they do not. Each visit will take about 4 hours. Initially, participants will have medical history review and a physical examination. Ears will be examined by otoscopy, and ear pressure will be measured by tympanometry. Among other tests to be performed are: sonotubometry, tubomanometry, maneuver sequence, and video nasal endoscopy. Additional tests will be performed, dependent on whether participants have an intact eardrum or a hole or tympanostomy tube in the eardrum. Investigators will follow up by telephone 4 times over 2 years with the participants who have Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Visits: 1 or 2, depending on diagnosis
Duration: Up to 2 years for those with Eustachian tube dysfunction

Status: Open to Enrollment

Source(s) of Support

National Institutes of Health

Primary Investigator

Cuneyt M. Alper, MD

Contact Information

For more information about the study or enrollment, please contact:
Julie Banks, Research Coordinator
412-692-3595