Ph.D.-Project: Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis

Launched by REGIONAL HOSPITAL WEST JUTLAND · Sep 14, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD), a condition where the tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat doesn't work properly. This can cause symptoms like ear pressure or pain, a feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, and even issues when you have a cold. The researchers want to learn more about the causes of ETD, how to diagnose it better, and what treatments are most effective. They are particularly interested in understanding the long-term effects of a newer treatment called Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty.

To participate in this study, you should be between 18 and 74 years old and have experienced symptoms of ETD for more than three months. This includes feelings of pressure or pain in the ears, crackling sounds, or muffled hearing. Participants will undergo assessments to confirm their symptoms and may receive treatment options as part of the study. It's important to note that certain conditions, such as recent surgeries or specific health issues, may prevent someone from participating. This study aims to fill gaps in knowledge about ETD and improve the care for those affected by it.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Patients are included in the study if they have presented constant or intermittent ETD symptoms for more than three months:
• • 1. pressure in the ears,
• • 2. pain in the ears,
• • 3. a feeling that the ears are clogged or "under water",
• • 4. ear symptoms when having a cold or sinusitis,
• • 5. crackling or popping sound in the ears,
• • 6. ringing in the ears,
• • 7. feeling that the hearing is muffled.
• Furthermore, objective signs of negative middle ear pressure are needed:
• • 1. poorly retractable eardrum,
• • 2. tympanometry compatible with negative middle ear pressure (C2 or B-curve).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • patient refusal to participate in the study,
• • head and neck surgery in the previous three months,
• • head and neck irradiation,
• • ETD symptoms \<3 months,
• • adenoid hypertrophy,
• • nasal polyposis,
• • acute upper respiratory infection or acute sinusitis,
• • tympanic membrane perforation,
• • age \<18 years, cleft palate,
• • craniofacial syndromes including Down's Syndrome,
• • cystic fibrosis,
• • ciliary dysmotility syndrome.