Eustachian tube function test as a predictor of middle ear barotrauma

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Diving Medicine
• Physiology

Background:

• Middle ear barotrauma in divers often stems from Eustachian tube dysfunction.
• Assessing Eustachian tube patency is crucial for diver safety and fitness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare tympanometry and Valsalva-based Eustachian Tube Function (ETF) test results with divers' ability to equalize pressure.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the ETF test as a predictor of successful barofunction testing (BFT).

Main Methods:

• 35 professional divers underwent annual medical examinations.
• Eustachian Tube Function (ETF) tests (tympanometry and Valsalva maneuver) and barofunction tests (BFT) in a hyperbaric chamber were performed.
• A 20 DaPa cutoff was used on the ETF test to predict Eustachian tube patency.

Main Results:

• 24 divers scored above 20 DaPa on the ETF test.
• 3 divers scored below 20 DaPa in both ears but passed the BFT.
• 7 out of 8 divers with unilateral low ETF scores experienced BFT difficulties in the ear with the poorer ETF result.

Conclusions:

• The ETF test serves as an effective screening tool for diving fitness, with scores >20 DaPa ensuring adequate Eustachian tube function.
• ETF test results below 20 DaPa are not definitive predictors of BFT outcomes.
• ETF test findings are valuable for otolaryngologists evaluating unilateral middle ear conditions.