Eustachian Tube Function Test of Normal Ear in Patients with Unilateral Chronic Otitis Media

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to observe the importance of normal ear Eustachian Tube Function Test (ETFT) for unilateral Chronic Otitis Media (COM) and essential date on ETFT through Williams test (Y-266 Hz).Methods: Williams test Y-226 Hz is a test that can evaluate the function of the Eustachian tube only by controlling the pressure, and we retrospectively analyzed 182 otitis media patients who underwent surgery in Pusan National University Hospital. Three results obtained through the Williams test (Y-226 Hz) were classified according to categories and descriptive analysis was performed.Results: In the 182 subjects, 89 did not show changes in static compliance (SC) or had result bias. 1~5 daPa change in 6 (3.3%), 6~10 daPa change 17 (9.3%), 11~15 daPa change 18 (9.9%), 16~20 daPa change 22 (12.1%), 21~25 daPa change 5 (2.7%), 26~30 daPa change 5 (2.7%), 31~40 daPa change 4 (2.2%), 41~50 daPa change 6 (3.3%), 51~100 daPa change changes in 6 (3.3%) and the remaining 4 (2.2%) showed a change greater than 100 daPa. The mean standard SC value of 93 subjects with change was -4.9 daPa, and the mean value measured at positive pressure +400 daPa was -27.4 daPa. Additionally, the mean value measured at negative pressure -400 daPa was +22.9 daPa.Conclusion: Even if the contralateral eardrum appeared normal in the subjects who underwent COM, there were more cases of problems with the Eustachian tube. Normal ear ETFT is necessary for unilateral COM patients, and the Williams test is suitable as a criterion-referenced assessment.