Unilateral Eustachian Impasability - cutoff points for ETF test

Georgiev, K

doi:10.1055/s-0040-1711272

Cited by 1 publication

(3 citation statements)

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“…We did not discover any significant correlation between intratympanic pressure at rest and difficulties in barofunction (r = 0.141, p = 0.245 as shown in Table 2). These results correspond to the results from previous studies (Table 3) [6,8].…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 93%

“…In a previous study we discovered that values of the ETF test higher than 20 daPa guarantee normal Eustachian passability both for divers and people without diving experience. In cases of unilateral poor results of the ETF test and the barofunction, the main reason is not a flawed technique of execution of the test, but rather a real impassability of the Eustachian tube [6]. This can explain why in a study of divers who have already suffered barotraumas, Kitajima et al [9] found more severe symptoms in unilateral accidents.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the ETF test as a predictor of middle ear barotraumas in divers. Based on previous studies we have estimated that ETF test values above 20 daPa guarantee Eustachian tube passability sufficient for diving activities [6]. Our hypothesis states that an ETF test value above that cut-off point (20 daPa) would mean that the diver will not suffer barotraumas during the BFT.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 87%

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Eustachian tube function test as a predictor of middle ear barotrauma

Georgiev

Shopov

2020

International Maritime Health

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Background: Most cases of middle ear barotraumas in divers are due to impassability of the Eustachian tube, and typically occur during diving or during compression and decompression in a hyperbaric chamber. The aim of our study is to compare the results of tympanometry and Valsalva part of Eustachian tube function test (ETF-test) with the ability of divers to compensate for the change in ambient pressure in a hyperbaric chamber and to evaluate the tests as predictors of middle ear barotraumas. Materials and methods: The study included 35 professional divers undergoing annual medical examination. Using tympanometer we measured the intratympanic pressure at rest, and after the manoeuvre of Valsalva. Then all subjects underwent a barofunction test (BFT) to assess their diving fitness and the passability of the Eustachian tubes. In a typical BFT divers are compressing and decompressing to a pressure of 2.2 ATA for 1 min in a hyperbaric chamber. Based on results from previous studies we are using a 20 daPa cut-off point on the ETF test to predict Eustachian tube passability and a successful BFT. Results: In the current study 24 divers received ETF test results higher than 20 daPa; 3 divers had ETF test values lower than 20 daPa in both ears, but none of them displayed difficulties in the BFT; 8 divers had ETF values lower than 20 daPa in one ear and higher than 20 daPa in the other; 7 divers of the last group displayed difficulties with the BFT in the ear with poor ETF result. Conclusions: We consider that the ETF test can be used to assess diving fitness as a screening method before performing a BFT, as values above 20 daPa guarantee Eustachian tube passability sufficient for diving activities. Values of 20 daPa and less are not a definite predictor for the barofunction results. The results of the ETF test can also be used in the usual work of an otorhinolaryngologist to evaluate Eustachian function in cases of unilateral disease of middle ear.