Eustachian Tubal Opening and Closing and Nasal Pressure Changes During Toynbee’S Maneuver (4)—In Combination with Sonotubometry —

Abstract

The Eustachian tube opens and closes in response to swallowing movements. Sonotubometry records these opening and closing movements as changes in sound pressure. Moreover, it shows that the timing of the opening and closing of the Eustachian tube varies with the material swallowed (saliva, Barium, liquid, etc.) even in healthy adults. These differences effect the interpretation of the test results. We considered that the soft palate might have some relationship to nasal closure when the nasopharynx is closed in response to swallowing movements. Since the contribution of the soft palate to nasopharyngeal closing can be estimated by observing pressure changes, its relationship to the tubal opening and closing time was examined by combining various swallowing movements with sonotubometry during Toynbee’s maneuver. It was found that the incease in intranasal pressure during saliva swallowing was lower than that during liquid swallowing; however, its decrease was greater. This may indicate that the soft palate is moved more voluntarily during swallowing behavior which requires an increased negative pressure of the pharynx. It was further estimated that the movement of various muscular groups involved in the tubal opening may also be activated, ultimately providing more positive results sonotubometry. © 1985, The Society of Practical Otolaryngology. All rights reserved.