Enhanced Eustachian Tube Function and Hearing Recovery with Combined Balloon Dilatation and Tympanic Membrane Catheterization in Secretory Otitis Media

Abstract

Background: Material/Methods: Results: Conclusions: Secretory otitis media (SOM), a common otorhinolaryngological disorder, impairs hearing and quality of life. Eustachian tube balloon dilatation (ETBD) is increasingly used, and its combination with tympanic membrane catheterization (TMC) may enhance outcomes. This study compared ETBD alone with ETBD combined with TMC in adult SOM. Ninety patients (110 ears) with SOM were randomized equally into 2 groups between September 2020 and September 2022. The balloon-only group received ETBD, while the balloon plus catheterization group underwent ETBD combined with TMC. Clinical efficacy was defined as symptom resolution, effusion clearance, and hearing recovery. Eustachian tube function was assessed by manometry (R score) and Eustachian Tube Score (ETS). The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7) assessed symptom burden of ear pressure, pain, tinnitus, and muffled hearing. Serum procalcitonin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by ELISA. Hearing thresholds were determined using pure-tone audiometry. Six-month recurrence was defined as the reappearance of effusion or symptoms following tympanic membrane healing, determined by otoscopy, tympanometry, and symptom verification. The effective rate was significantly higher in the ETBD combined with TMC group (95.56%) than the ETBD-only group (77.78%, P<0.05). Combination therapy yielded greater improvements in R scores, ETS, ETDQ-7, and hearing thresholds, and greater reductions in procalcitonin, hs-CRP, and IL-6 (all P<0.05). Recurrence was lower (4.44% vs 22.22%, P<0.05), with comparable complication rates (P>0.05). ETBD combined with TMC significantly enhanced ET function, symptom relief, inflammatory control, and hearing recovery while reducing recurrence, supporting its adoption in adult SOM management.