The prognostic value of Eustachian tube function measurements in tympanoplastic surgery.

The Eustachian tube function was tested preoperatively by sonotubometry and by the negative pressure equalization test in 87 ears subjected to simple myringoplasty, tympanoplasty alone, or tympanoplasty combined with mastoid surgery. The relations between tubal function test results and healing were analysed on average 10 months after the operation. The results indicating absent or partial pressure equalization ability were poorly correlated with the successful outcome of surgery, while sonotubometry showed a good correlation. Pressure equalization may produce such an unphysiological underpressure that many test results are erroneously negative. Sonotubometry is an entirely physiological method and has in this Department replaced the pressure equalization test for routine evaluation of the Eustachian tube function.