[The tensor tympani muscle reflex in nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

The initial stages of carcinoma of the nasopharynx may be manifested by different types of impaired hearing. The Eustachian tube may be obstructed by a tumour or its orifice compressed, sometimes the tumour penetrates into the middle ear. The authors discuss the position which may develop in infiltration of the semicanalis m. tensoris tympani and how functional disorders of this muscle may be manifested. They describe the provoked reflex of this muscle by trimolar acetic asid and investigate tympanometric reactions of this artificially provoked contraction of the m. tensor tympani in patients with carcinoma of the nasopharynx.