The Burden and Epidemiology of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Adults

摘要

Objectives. Pediatric eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), otitis media with effusion (OME), and tympanic membrane retraction (TMR) have been well studied, but no large analyses have described the associated burden beyond childhood. The potential impact and feasibility of prospective trials designed to optimize management of affected adults are thus unclear. Our objectives were therefore (1) to determine the national visit burden associated with ETD/OME/TMR beyond childhood and (2) to examine risk factors specific to adults, highlighting differences in comparison with children.