Tubomanometry-Score as Predictor of Outcome for Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty in Patients With Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Objective. To investigate the predictive value of tubomanometry (TMM) in predicting subjective outcome of Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty (BET) in patients with long-lasting Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). Study Design. Retrospective case series. Setting. Single tertiary referral center. Methods. A total of 111 ETD patients undergoing 194 BET procedures were included. Demographics, TMM measurements, and tympanograms were registered before and 3 to 6 months after BET. The time ratio between the pressure increase in the nasopharynx and the outer ear canal was labelled R value. Results. At follow-up, 58.8% of the patients were satisfied with BET outcomes. The prevalence of normal R values increased significantly at 30 mbar (12%, P = .024), 40 mbar (14%, P = .0082), and 50 mbar (13%, P = .011). The prevalence of R = 0 decreased at all three pressure levels (-20%, P = .0001; -15%, P = .0013, and -16%, P = .0005, respectively). Type A tympanograms increased from 37% to 56% (P = .0002), while type B tympanograms decreased from 44% to 25% (P = .0006). Stratifying TMM measurements (R <= 1, R > 1, and R = 0) showed that preoperative R values were not prognostic of subjective outcome. Preoperative type B tympanogram indicated a risk of poor subjective outcome. Conclusion. BET appeared to improve Eustachian tube function with reduced prevalence of pathologic R values and tympanograms. Although preoperative R values were not prognostic, TMM remains promising for assessing Eustachian tube function. Further studies are needed to refine TMM's role in predicting BET efficacy.