Long-term Outcomes of Balloon Dilation for Persistent Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Abstract

Objective: To gather long-term follow-up data on the efficacy of balloon dilation for treating patients with persistent Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).

Study design: Extended follow-up study of the treatment arm of a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Tertiary care academic center and private practice.

Patients: Patients diagnosed with medically refractory persistent ETD.

Interventions: Balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube.

Main outcome measures: The endpoints were the mean change from baseline in the 7-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) score, revision dilation rate, changes in assessments of middle ear function, and patient satisfaction.

Results: A total of 47 participants enrolled in the extended follow-up study. Mean follow-up was 29.4 months (range, 18-42 mo). There was a statistically significant mean (SD) change from baseline in the overall ETDQ-7 score (-2.5 ± 1.2; p < 0.0001). A reduction of one or more in their overall ETDQ-7 score was observed by 93.6% (44/47) participants. The revision dilation rate was 2.1% (1/47). Among participants with abnormal baseline middle ear assessments, 76.0% had normalized tympanic membrane position (p < 0.0001), 62.5% had normalization of tympanogram type (p < 0.001), and 66.7% had positive Valsalva maneuvers (p < 0.0001). Participant satisfaction was 83.0% at long-term follow-up.

Conclusions: Balloon dilation results in durable improvements in symptoms and middle ear assessments for patients with persistent Eustachian tube dysfunction at mean follow-up of longer than 2 years.