Interpretation of Normal and Abnormal Tympanogram Findings in Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Audiology
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) impacts quality of life.
• Tympanometry is a standard diagnostic tool for middle ear function.
• Objective tympanogram values and their correlation with subjective ETD symptoms require further characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between objective tympanogram measures and patient-reported ETD symptoms.
• To explore associations between ETD symptoms and common comorbid conditions.
• To assess the sensitivity of conventional tympanometry interpretation for diagnosing ETD.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study with prospective data collection at a tertiary medical center.
• Included 250 patients undergoing audiometric evaluation, excluding those with specific ear conditions.
• Assessed ETD symptoms using the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire and analyzed tympanometric peak pressure (TPP) alongside demographics and comorbidities.

Main Results:

• 149 patients (59.6%) reported ETD symptoms, with a median TPP of -25 daPa compared to -10 daPa in asymptomatic patients.
• Rhinitis diagnosis was significantly associated with ETD symptoms (aOR, 2.61).
• Symptomatic patients with normal TPP values showed a higher prevalence of rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis.

Conclusions:

• Patient-reported ETD symptoms can occur despite tympanometric values considered normal by conventional standards.
• Current tympanometry interpretation may be insensitive to milder forms of ETD.
• Comorbidities like rhinitis may be linked to ETD symptoms not fully captured by standard tympanometry.