[Influence of chronic sinusitis on middle ear function].

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of range size and duration of chronic sinusitis on middle ear function.

METHOD

Eustachian tube function, tympanogram and air hearing threshold were measured with an acoustic impedance audiometer and pure tone audiometer in 56 patients (112 ears).

RESULT

Eustachian tube function was disturbed in 48.3% cases, tympanogram was abnormal in 42.0% cases, and air hearing threshold was increased in 33.9% cases. Comparison of middle ear function between anterior sinusitis and pan-sinusitis showed significant difference (P < 0.01), middle ear function between the course of less 5 years and of more than 5 years had significant difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The damage of middle ear function become more serious with the extent of lesion and with the longer course of disease in paranasal sinuses.