Eustachian Tube Function in Secretory Otitis Media

During the course of secretory otitis media the Eustachian tube function was measured in 42 patients (55 ears). Ventilating tubes were inserted in all ears. The air pressure equalizing method was used to evaluate Eustachian tube function. None of the ears showed normal function at the initial Eustachian tube function tests. The patients were then monitored with repeated Eustachian tube function tests during various periods. At the final tests only 2 ears (3%) showed normalization of the Eustachian tube function. Thus our result confirm that poor tubal function is significant for ears during the course of secretory otitis media. Despite poor tubal function all ears healed satisfactorily. The results are discussed and explanations for tubal dysfunction in secretory otitis media are presented.