The Accuracy of Sonotubometry to Assess the Eustachian Tube
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assessing the Sensitivity and Specificity of Sonotubometry to Measure the Eustachian Tube Function
IRAS ID
324443
Contact name
Tobia Sebastiano Nava
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
The Eustachian tube (ET) connects the middle ear with the throat and is important for maintaining a healthy middle ear. Sonotubometry is a new method to measure how well the ET works by using sound. A speaker is placed at the nostril and a microphone records sound in the external ear canal. The ET is closed at rest and opens with swallowing. This is measured as an increase in sound measured in the external ear by sonotubometry.
Previous research has not proven that sonotubometry is reliable enough to be used in clinics to assess ET dysfunction (a disease where the ET does not open properly). In a recent study with healthy volunteers, it was possible to identify many of the existing issues of sonotubometry and improve the reliability of this method. This was primarily achieved by testing different sound types and sound volumes. This study aims to assess the reliability and usability of the new testing protocol in study participants with ET dysfunction. The results of this study will then be compared with the results from the previous study with healthy volunteers to work out how well sonotubometry works. Ultimately, this research aims to improve the ability to diagnose ET dysfunction.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/YH/0044
Date of REC Opinion
12 Apr 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion