Efficacy of a Modified Politzer Apparatus in Management of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Adults

Abstract

This study evaluates the efficacy of politzeration on eustachian tube dysfunction following airplane travel using an automated, hand-held device that controls the volume velocity of air flow. Fourteen adults with eustachian tube dysfunction following airplane travel comprised the experimental group. They received politzeration over a period of 6 weeks on a twice-a-week basis. Fourteen adults with eustachian tube dysfunction following airplane travel comprised the control group. They were untreated. Complete audiologic and otolaryngologic evaluations were performed at the pretest and after politzeration treatment was completed. The results revealed a substantial, significant improvement in the mean tympanometric peak pressure from pretest to final post-treatment retest in the experimental, but not the control, subjects. The mean air-bone gap increased significantly from pretest to final post-treatment retest in the control, but not the experimental, subjects. Of the experimental subjects with abnormal tympanometric peak pressures at the pretest, resolution to within normal limits occurred in 71 percent of the experimental subjects versus 21 percent of the control subjects. These results suggest the potential feasibility of treatment of aerotitis media in adults with this modified Politzer method using the automated apparatus. Abbreviations: ABG = air-bone gap, TPP = tympanometric peak pressure

Round Window Fistula Caused by Politzerization: An Unreported Complication

“…Middle ear insufflation was advocated throughout the 20th century (4–8) and is covered in current literature (9–11). Efficacy in adults has been documented (12). Although some studies have not confirmed the efficacy of eustachian tube autoinflation, the current edition of Bailey's textbook (11) refers to Perera's meta-analysis (13), noting that “because of its low cost and absence of adverse effects, autoinflation might be considered for use while awaiting spontaneous resolution of the effusion” (10 (p. 1495)).…”

Contribution of Treatment with Ear Popper for Hearing in Children with Middle Ear Effusion

“…Management of MEE is divided into non-surgical and surgical interventions, including 1. Valsalva, Politzer, or EarPopper maneuvers [5,8] and 2. ventilation tube surgery. Ventilation tube surgery improves the auditory thresholds considerably and rapidly [6] and helps in the prevention of MEE recurrence [9][10][11].…”