Standard values for the opening pressure of the tube and the tube opening duration for active tubal openings (Valsalva maneuver, swallowing) were described, and typical curve gradients for healthy subjects could be shown. This is another step toward analyzing the function of the tube in compression and decompression.

We conclude that xylomethazoline might only have a minor effect during active and passive middle ear pressure equalization. Larger cohorts and targeted application of decongestants should be tested to confirm these preliminary data and to find new evidence on the effects of decongestants.

Pressure chamber-based measurements enable an objective and safe dynamic testing of the ET pressure equalization function in patients with ETD. In addition, via continuous impedance measurement, it is possible to identify patients with patulous ETD and baro-challenge-induced ETD. These results are a relevant preliminary work to identify and assess patients for different therapy options.

No abstract