Patulous Eustachian tube (PET), a practical overview

Manohar Bance; James R Tysome; Matthew E Smith

doi:10.1016/j.wjorl.2019.08.003

Patulous Eustachian tube (PET), a practical overview

World J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2019 Oct 11;5(3):137-142. doi: 10.1016/j.wjorl.2019.08.003. eCollection 2019 Sep.

Authors

Manohar Bance^{1

2}, James R Tysome^{1

2}, Matthew E Smith¹

Affiliations

¹ Cambridge Ear Institute, Cambridge University Hospitals Trust, Cambridge UK.
² University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.

Abstract

Symptoms of patulous Eustachian tube (ET), particularly autophony, can overlap with other conditions, and can arise from a variety of causes. We review the pathophysiology of "speech hyper-resonance syndromes", and possible mechanisms, including resonances in the tympanic membrane, Eustachian tube and nasopharynx. Treatment can be directed at the eardrum or the ET depending on site of pathology. We review typical presentations, examination findings, and useful clinical tests to distinguish PET from other disorders, and our philosophy of management.

Keywords: Autophony; Cartilage typmpanoplasty; Eustachian tube function testing; Patulous Eustachian tube; Sonotubometry.

Publication types

Review