Up to now, the function of the Eustachian tube is considered to be highly complex. Rapid middle ear pressure changes are assumed to cause BET-related hearing loss.Д®ustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is known to be one of the most common problems seen in ENT-clinics and has an estimated prevalence of 1вЂ“5% in adults ( 1, 2). The rate of permanent SNHL is 0.08%.Д¬onclusion: BET has a low rate of SNHL. The overall rate of SNHL per procedure is 0.3%. In two cases of SNHL, a simultaneous tympanoplasty was performed. In two cases, the SNHL persisted, and in five cases, the SNHL was transient. Results: We observed seven cases of SNHL after BET. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated in a chart review 1,547 patients and 2,614 procedures of BET performed in a single center between 20 using the Spiggle and Theis, Overath, Germany eustachian tube dilatation system.

The aim of the present study was to observe the rate of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) after BET. Although BET is widely performed, little is known about the occurrence rate of the complications associated with BET. Balloon Eustachian tube dilatation (BET) is a treatment option used to solve eustachian tube dysfunction. A dysfunction can be associated with chronic otitis media, and cholesteatoma. Objective: Eustachian tube function is of central importance for the ventilation of the middle ear. Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, Klinikum Bielefeld Mitte, Bielefeld, Germany.Nasopharyngeal pH has been noted to be lower in some patients with otalgia and adenoiditis.Ingo Todt *, Felix Oppel and Holger Sudhoff Gastroesophageal reflux is thought to play a role in the development of middle-ear and eustachian-tube inflammation and may play a role in ETD as well. 5 Damage to the tube lining also can be directly related to viral infection, which is thought to result in decreased mucociliary clearance. Such anatomic abnormalities as cleft palate and other craniofacial abnormalities may lead to inflammation of the eustachian tube. Eustachian-tube pathology is strongly related to mucosal disease and associated hypertrophy, which can be precipitated by reactive disease (e.g., allergy) as well as other causes. 3 This results in higher air pressure outside the tympanic membrane than in the middle ear, a condition that may cause long-term pathologic changes to the tube. 1 Eustachian-tube dysfunctionД®TD occurs when the tube fails to open properly or becomes blocked, thereby preventing the normal flow of air into the middle ear. 2,4 The Ostmann fat pad, located in the inferolateral aspect of the eustachian tube, is thought to play a role in closing the tube to prevent backflow of nasopharyngeal secretions and likely contributes to protection of the tube. 4 With normal function, middle-ear pressure is maintained between +50 mm and -50 mm H2O.

This also promotes proper tympanic membrane function by enabling the equalization of middle-ear and atmospheric pressures. Normally closed at rest, the eustachian tube opens when we yawn, sneeze, swallow, or chew, 1,2,4 allowing air to enter the middle ear and mucus to flow out. 2 The four muscles associated with the eustachian tube (tensor veli palatini, levator veli palatini, salpingopharyngeus, and tensor tympani) are all are either directly or indirectly related to tubal function. 1-6 Drainage of normal secretions from the middle ear to the nasopharynx via the eustachian tube is aided by mucociliary transport and repeated active tubal opening and closing. The eustachian tube drains or clears middle-ear secretions into the nasopharynx, protects the middle ear from nasopharyngeal pressure changes and secretions, and ventilates the middle ear so that the pressure within is equal to atmospheric pressure. 2,4 The lumen of the tube will also increase with physical maturity. 2 The eustachian tube of an adult sits at a 45В° angle, while the angle is approximately 10В° in infants.4 Additionally, an infantвЂ™s eustachian tube measures approximately 18 mm in length the tube grows rapidly during childhood, reaching its adult length of 3-4 cm by age 7 years.

4 Directed downward, forward, and medially from the middle ear, the eustachian tube opens approximately 1.25 cm behind and just below the posterior end of the inferior turbinate. 2,3 The nasopharynx is proximal to the eustachian tube, and the middle ear and mastoid are located at its distal end. The narrow eustachian tube is part of the contiguous system that includes the nose, palate, and nasopharynx.

Auditory tube