Eustachian tube function test: A new dimension in the management of CSOM

Abstract

Poor eustachian tube function is a major cause of both failure of tympanoplasty as well as the persistence of otorrhoea in chronic suppurative otitis media. In this study, Eustachian tube function tests were carried out on 631 ears of CSOM using an impedance audiometer and the results were analysed. The study showed that impaired tubal function is not only the major cause of persistent/recurrent otorrhoea in CSOM but is also an important contributory factor for failure of tympanoplasty. The results of tympanoplasty were found to be significantly poor when carried out in ears having poor tubal function as compared to ears with normal tubal function.