Tubal manometry: the question of normal values, values in chronic mesotympanic purulent middle ear infections

We investigated tubal function by equalization manometry in 68 patients with unilateral traumatic perforation of the tympanic membrane, and in 116 patients with chronic mesotympanic suppuration (85 dry and 31 discharging ears). Our criterion of normal tubal function is the ability to equalize a difference in pressure of +/- 30 hPa by means of at most 7 swallowings. This result was achieved in only 25% of the dry perforations and in none of the patients with discharging ears. Normal tubal function may only be expected in 25% of patients with chronic otitis media.