Eustachian tube function of children with secretory otitis media.

概要

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The Eustachian tube function of children with secretory otitis media was examined by several methods: 1) endoscopy of the pharyngeal orifice of the tube, 2) air inflation of the tube by catheter, 3) tympanometry, 4) inflation and deflation test for non-intact ear drums, 5) 9-step inflation and deflation test for intact ear drums.The following characteristics of tubal function were observed: 1)a high incidence of obstruction of the pharyngeal orifice of the tube by large adenoids; 2) a normal range of passive opening of the tube during air inflation; 3) impaired active (muscular) openig of the tube during swallowing; 4) a general tendency for active opening to improve with age, especially after 7 years of age.It was concluded that the high incidence of tubal disturbances in children with secretory otitis media might be due to 1) mechanical obstruction of the pharyngeal orifice of the tube and 2) increased compliance of the tubal cartilage.