Middle—ear mechanics in patulous tube cases

Abstract

Over a 5—year period 90 cases with patulous tube conditions verified by Eustchian tube function tests were found at the ENT Department of Lund. Sixty—three per cent of these were women. By questioning the various symptoms could be evaluated. To elucidate the factors which might relieve the symptoms, simultaneous pressure recordings in nose and middle ear were made in some of the patients. Two factors seemed to relieve the symptoms: an increase of the hydrostatic pressure in the head and a relative underpressure in the middle ear.