Tube function in sudden hearing loss

The function of the Eustachian tube was assessed in 50 patients suffering from sudden hearing loss, using the pressure chamber impedance method. We investigated the existence of a relationship between sudden hearing loss and the occurrence of a patulous tube. We could not observe more patulous tubes in patients with sudden hearing loss compared to a control group with healthy ears. We registered the parameters "tissue resistance pressure" and "tubal opening pressure", both characterising the passive qualities of the Eustachian tube. There was no indication of a facilitated passive tubal opening nor a tendency to a patulous tube among our patients. Statistical evaluation of these parameters showed no significantly different tubal function on comparing the right and the left ear, as well as the ear affected by sudden hearing loss and the healthy ear. We conclude that there is no relationship between sudden hearing loss and patulous tube.