Does Nasal Septal Deviation Affect the Eustachian Tube Function and Middle Ear Ventilation?

Abstract

Objective: Our aim is to evaluate the effect of nasal septal deviation on the middle ear pressure andEustachian Tube (ET) functions with regard to theside of deviation.Methods: A prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted. Overall, 50 patients (22 female,28 male) undergoing septoplasty because of nasalseptum deviation were included. The nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale was used toevaluate surgical satisfaction. Middle ear ventilationand the ET functions of a total of 100 ears wereassessed with basal tympanometry and insufflationtests (Valsalva and Toynbee). The tests were performed on the operation day and eight weeks aftersurgery. The ears were divided into two groups: theaffected side (the side of nasal obstruction) (Group1) and the contralateral side (Group 2). The studyparameters obtained before and after septoplastywere compared.Results: The NOSE scores decreased after septoplasty(12.48±4.78/7.56±3.4) (p