[Direct continuous measurement of middle ear pressure: method and clinical results (author's transl)]

Method (part 1): A method for the direct measurement of the middle ear pressure for clinical use is introduced. This method allows continuous pressure registration in the normal and pathological middle ear. The determination of the parameters influencing middle ear pressure like volume of the middle ear cavity, gas resorption, tube function is possible. The influence of body movement, changes of temperature etc. on the middle ear pressure can be registrated. The precondition for this method is a tube in the tympanic membrane. Clinical results (part 2): In 42 patients pressure development in physiological tube function and dysfunction, in patulous Eustachian tubes and tube obstructions can be registrated. The volume of the middle ear cavities and the increasing negative pressure because of gas resorption can be analysed with this method. In obstructed tubes different development of negative pressure may indicate differences in the elasticity of tympanic membranes. This method gives valuable criterion on middle ear pressure changes considering parameters like gas diffusion, tube function, cavity volume and membrane elasticity in normal and pathological middle ears.