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Eustachian Tube Testing in a Pressure Chamber -- Validation Study

Completed
Conditions
Otitis
Registration Number
NCT00694486
Lead Sponsor
University of Pittsburgh
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.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
20
Inclusion Criteria
  • >18 years old
  • Normal middle-ear status
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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
Read More

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Eustachian tube function testing resultsup to 3 months
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

ENT Research Center Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

🇺🇸

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

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