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Ear Pressure (ear + pressure)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences100%

Kinds of Ear Pressure

  • middle ear pressure
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    Selected Abstracts

    Neural control of eustachian tube function,,

    THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 6 2009
    Murat Songu MD
    Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: It has been hypothesized that middle ear pressure can be controlled by the Eustachian tube through a neuronal reflex arc in animal models. We aimed to define the role of the neuronal control mechanisms in regulating middle ear pressure in humans. Study Design: Prospective study. Methods: The study population consisted of 95 ears of 95 volunteers. The mechanoreceptors on the tympanic membrane and the baroreceptors in the middle ear, which are assumed to form the afferent plexus of the neuronal reflex arc, were blocked by topical administration of lidocaine hydrochloride, in various patient groups. The Eustachian tube functions forming the efferent plexus of the neuronal reflex arc were evaluated by manometric tests both before and after blocking the possible afferent plexus in each study group. Results: The baroreceptors established in the tympanic plexus might possibly have an effective role in this mechanism where the mechanoreceptors on the tympanic membrane seem to have a minor effect. Conclusions: Neuronal control mechanism could play an important role in regulating Eustachian tube function in humans. Laryngoscope, 2009 [source]

    Variability of Eustachian Tube Function: Comparison of Ears With Retraction Disease and Normal Middle Ears ,

    THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 8 2000
    Marie Bunne MD
    Abstract Objective To explore the short-term and long-term variability of tubal opening and closing in ears with advanced retractions and in healthy ears. Study Design/Methods Twenty ears with retraction type middle ear disease (R-MED) and 20 normal ears underwent direct recording of the middle ear pressure during repeated forced openings, equalization of +100 daPa and ,100 daPa by swallowing, Valsalva inflation, and forceful sniffing. Tests were performed twice (separated by 30 min) on each of 2 days separated by 3 to 4 months. Results There was considerable intraindividual variability of the forced opening pressure and the closing pressure in both groups, within as well as between sessions and test days. Although the variability was 1.5 to 2 times higher in ears with retraction than in the normal group, mean Po and Pc did not differ between the groups. Compared with normal ears, ears with retraction changed more frequently from a positive to negative test response, or vice versa, when re-tested after 30 minutes. Rates of positive response in the equalization and Valsalva tests were significantly lower in diseased ears compared with normal ears. Conclusions Eustachian tube opening and closing functions vary more in ears with retraction disease than in normal ears, which is consistent with the variable clinical course of R-MED and implies that single tubal function tests have little prognostic value on the individual level. [source]

    Hearing thresholds in patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis

    CLINICAL OTOLARYNGOLOGY, Issue 1 2004
    F. Salvinelli
    Hearing thresholds in patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis The aim of the study was to evaluate hearing thresholds in 38 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, divided according to disease activity into active (group A, n = 20) and non-active (group B, n = 18) patients. Pure tone audiometry, tympanometry and complete rheumatological assessment were performed. All patients presented poorer auditory thresholds compared with controls. Patients of group A had both air and bone conduction thresholds poorer than group B (although not statistically significant), and most patients of both groups presented an air,bone (a,b) gap. No significant difference in middle ear pressure was noticed between patients and controls. No correlation between hearing impairment and duration of the disease or patients' age was found. The high prevalence of hearing loss in autoimmune diseases supports the importance of audiometric evaluation in such patients. The auditory recovery through middle ear surgery before cranial nerve involvement could be considered in selected patients. Further investigations are needed for a better knowledge of the middle and inner ear involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. [source]

    Inner ear pressure changes in normal guinea pigs induced by the Meniett 20

    CLINICAL OTOLARYNGOLOGY, Issue 4 2001
    R.A. Feijen
    Introduction. The objective was measurement of inner ear fluid pressure changes of normal guinea pigs induced by the Meniett 20 (Pascal Medical, Sweden), a possible therapeutic pressure generator to be used by patients with Menière's disease. Methods. In seven guinea pigs, the tip of a micropipette was inserted into the inner ear via the round window membrane, reached by a retroauricular approach. A small hole was cut in the tympanic membrane and the bulla was closed again. Middle ear pressure was altered via the external meatus using a pressure generator (Meniett 20) which produced complex oscillatory pressure pulses. Inner ear pressure was simultaneously measured with a WPI micropressure system. Results. Middle ear pressure changes were transferred instantly to the inner ear of guinea pigs. Inner ear pressure declined while middle ear pressure kept relatively stable. An average undershoot of ,1.0 cm water with respect to the steady state pressure was seen after application of a pressure pulse, which was released in a few seconds. There was no change in steady state inner ear pressure after a complete session. Conclusion. Complex oscillatory pressure pulses produced by the Meniett 20 applied to the middle ear of guinea pigs causes a transient reduction of inner ear fluid volume. [source]