Otitis
Conditions
Keywords
otitis, Eustachian tube function, Normal middle ear status
Brief summary
This study will compare Eustachian tube function (ETF) testing in adults with intact tympanic membranes (TM) using a pressure chamber to that obtained using standard methods requiring a non-intact TM.
Detailed description
The investigators propose to introduce new test methods and protocols to our laboratory for better clinical characterization of Eustachian tube function in ears with intact TM's. These test will be done in a pressure-chamber and will use previously published and newly developed methods. Participation will require a minimum of 5 visits to the ENT Research Center, 1 for myringotomy (putting a small hole in the eardrum) and 4 for ETF testing. Hearing testing will be done at entry and exit; otoscopy (looking at the ears) and tympanometry (a test done with an earplug and varying pressures in the ear canal) are done at every visit.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
University of Pittsburgh
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* \>18 years old * Normal middle-ear status
Exclusion criteria
* Chronic illness including asthma, pulmonary, or cardiac problems * Pregnancy * \>10 dB hearing loss in any of the speech frequencies * Past history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to lidocaine or related compounds
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Eustachian tube function testing results | up to 3 months |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed