[Eustachian tube function and middle ear pressure with adhesive tympanic membrane (author's transl)]

The function of the Eustachian tube and the corresponding middle ear pressure are significant factors in the etiology of adhesive ear drums as well as in the prognosis of a possible tympanoplasty. In 58 patients with adhesive tympanic membrane tubal function and middle ear pressure were determined by means of the air pressure equalization technique respectively by direct punction. Normal or only slightly impaired tubal function as well as the middle ear pressure was found in one third of the cases, whereas in the majority of the patients an impaired tubal function and underpressure in the middle ear was registrated. As a precondition for a successful tympanoplasty the ventilation of the middle ear must be improved in these cases. At present this is achieved by a polyethylene tube inserted in the tympanic membrane during the operation.