Publication:

Eustachian tube functions, revisited: a review

Myringoplasty conventionally is the reconstitution of the perforated tympanic membrane. There is a state of equilibrium between nasopharyngeal, middle ear and the external ear, air pressures. Middle ear ventilation and drainage is undertaken by the eustachian tube, a partially collapsible and rigid pipe linking the nasopharynx with the middle ear. There are controversial views regarding the value of a preoperative assessment of the function of the eustachian tube. Historically active and passive procedures for evaluation of the tubal function are vital components of the otological test battery. Outpatient tests like the Valsalva may not necessitate acquisition of sophisticated armamentarium but sono-tubometry and tube-manometry do so and are a bit expensive. The variety of subjective and objective tests have been elaborated upon wrt a successful uptake of the graft in myringoplasty.