Application progress of Tubomanometry (TMM) in Eustachian tube function evaluation: A review

The Eustachian tube (ET) plays a pivotal role in preserving normal auditory function by regulating middle ear (ME) air pressure, facilitating the drainage of secretions from the tympanic cavity, and preventing retrograde infection by pathogens originating from the nasopharynx. Evaluation of ET function is of paramount importance in the diagnosis and treatment of otologic disorders, as it is closely related to the development, management, and prognosis of ME conditions. Currently, the widely utilized ET function tests exhibit distinct advantages and limitations, along with specific indications for applications. These tests cannot serve as a standalone diagnostic criterion for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD). Tubomanometry (TMM), a relatively simple and non-invasive semi-objective assessment of ET function, holds promise as a robust tool for diagnosing functional abnormalities in the ME. This article introduces the fundamental principles underlying TMM technology and reviews its clinical applications.