Efficacy of ear tube insertion in adults with Eustachian tube dysfunction

What is it about?

Eustachian tube dysfunction is when the Eustachian tube (connecting the ear to the throat) does not properly open and close, which classically 'pops' your ears. Usually, ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes) are used for children to help prevent ear infections, but ear tubes have been less studied in adults. We present a retrospective cohort study showing improvement in Eustachian tube dysfunction, such as hearing loss and ear pain, with ear tube insertion in adults.

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Why is it important?

Treatment for Eustachian tube dysfunction is not well established, and tympanostomy tubes have not shown much improvement in other studies. However, we present the case for increased use of tympanostomy tubes in adults for management of Eustachian tube dysfunction.