Objective: To study the use of sonotubometry applying Perfect Sequences (PS) in juvenile patients for eustachian tube (ET) testing
Methods: ET function in thirty-one healthy juvenile volunteers (10-16 yrs.) was analysed using a custom made sonotubometry device. Manoeuvres for ET opening were swallowing, yawning and Valsalva. A total of 515 measurements were performed.
Results: The method was able to detect an ET opening in 431 (83.7%) measurements. Dry swallowing caused an ET opening in 91.8%, water swallowing in 92.1%, yawning in 84.1% and Valsava in 68.8% manoeuvres. Decongestion did not cause better results (p< .08). Regarding the side of signal application there was no significant difference found for the measured signal intensity in either ear (p< .15) A multivariant analysis showed significant differences for the various manoeuvres (p< . 0001) in the measured signal intensity.
Conclusions: Sonotubometry with PS can detect ET activtity with a high reliability. The nasal status seems to play a minor role for the measurement. Due to a better compliance in juvenile patients is Valsalva is a more feasible manoeuvre than in small children.