Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 3, 2026
08:47
Endoscopic Cholesteatoma Surgery
Published on: January 19, 2022
12.4K
Patulous Eustachian tube (PET), a practical overview
Manohar Bance1,2, James R Tysome1,2, Matthew E Smith1
1Cambridge Ear Institute, Cambridge University Hospitals Trust, Cambridge UK.
World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
|November 22, 2019
Summary
Patulous Eustachian tube (PET) causes autophony, a speech hyper-resonance syndrome. This review covers PET causes, mechanisms, and diagnostic approaches for effective management.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Physiology
Background:
- Patulous Eustachian tube (PET) presents with autophony, a condition where a patient's own voice sounds excessively loud.
- Autophony symptoms can mimic other ear conditions, necessitating precise diagnosis.
- The underlying pathophysiology involves "speech hyper-resonance syndromes" with potential resonance points in the tympanic membrane, Eustachian tube, and nasopharynx.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology and mechanisms of speech hyper-resonance syndromes, focusing on PET.
- To outline diagnostic strategies for differentiating PET from other conditions.
- To present a management philosophy for patulous Eustachian tube.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pathophysiology, clinical presentations, and diagnostic tests for PET.
- Analysis of resonance mechanisms within the auditory system.
- Discussion of treatment strategies based on the location of pathology.
Main Results:
- Speech hyper-resonance syndromes, including PET, arise from various causes and mechanisms.
- Resonances in the tympanic membrane, Eustachian tube, and nasopharynx contribute to autophony.
- Effective management depends on accurate diagnosis and identifying the site of pathology.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the pathophysiology of PET and related syndromes is crucial for diagnosis.
- Clinical examination and specific tests aid in distinguishing PET from other disorders.
- A tailored management approach, addressing the specific pathology, is recommended for PET treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Anatomy of the Ear
10.9K
Auditory sensation, commonly called hearing, involves the transformation of sonic waves into neural impulses facilitated by the structures of the auditory organ. The prominent, flesh-like structure on the side of the head, called the auricle, directs sound waves towards the auditory canal. The auricle is often mislabeled as the pinna, a term more aligned with mobile structures like a feline's external ear. The auditory canal penetrates the cranium via the external auditory meatus of the...
10.9K
01:28Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes
2.6K
A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening into the trachea, typically at the second or third cartilaginous ring level. This opening allows the insertion of a tracheostomy tube, which can replace an endotracheal tube, provide mechanical ventilation, bypass an upper airway obstruction, or remove accumulated tracheobronchial secretions.
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
2.6K
01:29Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
2.6K
Nasopharyngeal suctioning is a procedure to remove secretions from the upper part of the respiratory tract that the patient cannot clear independently. It helps maintain airway patency and prevents complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
Equipment Required
Equipment Required
2.6K
01:11The Auditory Ossicles
2.8K
The auditory ossicles of the middle ear transmit sounds from the air as vibrations to the fluid-filled cochlea. The auditory ossicles consist of two malleus (hammer) bones, two incus (anvil) bones, and two stapes (stirrups), one on each side. These bones develop during the fetal stage and are the ones to ossify first. They are fully mature at birth and do not grow afterward.
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
2.8K
01:15Endotracheal Intubation I: Procedure
6.8K
Endotracheal or ET intubation is a critical medical procedure used to secure a patient's airway, often in acute respiratory distress, apnea, upper airway obstruction, ineffective clearance of secretions, high risk for aspiration, or during general anesthesia.
The ET tube comprises various components, including a standard adaptor to attach a bag-valve-mask (BVM) or ventilator, a cuff, a pilot balloon, and radiopaque markings along its length to measure the insertion distance. The tube sizes...
The ET tube comprises various components, including a standard adaptor to attach a bag-valve-mask (BVM) or ventilator, a cuff, a pilot balloon, and radiopaque markings along its length to measure the insertion distance. The tube sizes...
6.8K
01:28Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract IV: Auscultation
2.0K
Auscultation is a crucial component of the physical assessment of the respiratory tract. It offers valuable insights into airflow through the bronchial tree and potential lung obstructions. This process involves careful listening to breath, voice, and adventitious sounds, which can reveal a wealth of information about a patient's respiratory health.
Breath Sounds
Breath sounds are categorized into vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.
Breath Sounds
Breath sounds are categorized into vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.
2.0K