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Measuring dynamic Eustachian tube function using tympanometry in a pressure chamber: the effect of nasal betahistine application

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 June 2019

B K-H G Franz ,
R Patuzzi ,
C J Wraight ,
G Kay ,
A Ng  and
C R Anderson
B K-H G Franz
Affiliation:
Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Australia
R Patuzzi
Affiliation:
Physiology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
C J Wraight
Affiliation:
Otifex Therapeutics, Melbourne, Australia
G Kay
Affiliation:
Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine, Wesley Private Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
A Ng
Affiliation:
Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine, Wesley Private Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
C R Anderson*
Affiliation:
Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Australia
*
Author for correspondence: Dr C R Anderson, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia E-mail: c.anderson@unimelb.edu.au
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Abstract

Objective

To assess the effect of topical betahistine on Eustachian tube function in subjectively abnormal subjects in a hyperbaric chamber.

Method

Active and passive Eustachian tube function was examined using tympanometry in a pressure chamber.

Results

Active Eustachian tube function was tested against the negative middle ear pressure induced by increasing the chamber pressure to +3 kPa. One voluntary swallow decreased middle-ear pressure by a mean of 1.36 kPa. Passive Eustachian tube function was tested by measuring spontaneous Eustachian tube openings as the chamber pressure dropped from +10 kPa to ambient. Four distinct patterns of Eustachian tube behaviour were seen, three of which indicated Eustachian tube dysfunction. Betahistine had no positive effect on Eustachian tube opening, although previous animal studies had suggested a beneficial effect.

Conclusion

Topical betahistine had no effect on Eustachian tube function. Combining a hyperbaric chamber with tympanometry proved ideal for evaluating Eustachian tube function.

Keywords

Eustachian TubeAcoustic Impedance TestsBetahistineEar, MiddlePressure
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 133 , Issue 7 , July 2019 , pp. 580 - 587
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited, 2019 

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Footnotes

Dr C R Anderson takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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