Learning Objectives:
Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish the rate variation of sonotubometric measurements using a specific broadband class of signals, the so-called perfect sequences (PSEQ) among healthy adults and to identify an optimal and technically simple test to provoke Eustachian tube (ET) openings.
Methods: Sonotubometry was performed on 105 healthy adult subjects. Three different consecutive maneuvers were performed for ET opening: dry swallowing , water swallowing (a small (2 ml) and a large (5 ml) water bolus). Values of the amplitude and duration of each measured ET opening were calculated.
Results: 6,300 measurements were performed. Sonotubometric ET openings were detected for all subjects but not for each measurement. 6,180/6,300 measurements (98.1%) objective ET openings were registered. Mean ET opening duration time and the mean sound amplitude were similar for all performed test and are 270 (SD ± 96) ms, 13.48 (SD ± 6.57) dB.
Conclusion: sonotubometry based on PSEQ stimuli is a reliable methodology to assess the Eustachian Tube opening function in healthy subjects. Mean ET opening duration time and the mean sound wave amplitude were similar performing all analysed tests, hence might be concluded, that dry (saliva) and water swallowing are a reliable sonotubometric maneuvers and may be used examining ET opening function. Size of a sip during water swallowing does not affect the sonotubometry result. All maneuvers can be equally used as the optimal maneuver, and we think that water swallow is most comfortable for the subject.
