Reexamination of the acoustic method in measurement of Eustachian tube function.

In order to assess the reliability of the acoustic method in examination of Eustachian tube function, 30 subjects with normal, obstructive or patent tubes were examined twice, by the acoustic method, and by the aerodynamic method which we have developed. The reliability of the aerodynamic method has been confirmed by repeated clinical examinations. 60% of the results of the acoustic method were found to disagree with both the results of the aerodynamic method and the clinical findings of the tested ears. One cause of this disagreement was shown to be the influence of motion accompanying deglutition upon the sound transmission.