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Review
. 2025 Apr 2;139(7):1-8.
doi: 10.1017/S0022215125000325. Online ahead of print.

Effect of deviated nasal septum on Eustachian tube dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Muhammad Ozair Awan  1 , Dimitrios Spinos  2 , Muzamil Hussain  1 , Jameel Muzaffar  3 , Aman Khanna  3 , Asad Qayyum  4 , Remo Accorona  5 , Haissan Iftikhar  6
Affiliations
Review

Effect of deviated nasal septum on Eustachian tube dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Muhammad Ozair Awan et al. J Laryngol Otol. .

Abstract

Objective: A range of chronic ear complaints may be attributed to Eustachian tube dysfunction. Eustachian tube dysfunction secondary to a deviated nasal septum has been described in several clinical studies, with symptomatic improvement demonstrated following septoplasty. However, uncertainty exists as to the size of the effect and consistency between studies.

Methods: Electronic searches were carried out of Pubmed, Embase and the Cochrane Library for adult patients with complaints of nasal obstruction and/or impairment and/or complaints of ear fullness undergoing nasal surgery.

Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies evaluated the effect of nasal surgery on Eustachian tube dysfunction using a variety of outcomes, including Eustachian tube function tests, the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7, tympanometry and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scores. The results demonstrated the positive impact of nasal surgery on various outcomes related to Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Conclusion: Nasal surgery has been demonstrated to have promising results as a therapeutic option for patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction and a deviated nasal septum, offering significant symptom relief and improved quality of life. Through the integration of the treatment of nasal symptoms in the management of Eustachian tube dysfunction, clinicians can adopt a comprehensive approach to addressing the underlying pathologies contributing to Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Keywords: Eustachian tube dysfunction; deviated nasal septum; nasal surgery; septoplasty.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
PRISMA DNS and ETD.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Risk of Bias Assessment.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
ETDQ-7 Scores (With Lima, 2020).
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
ETDQ-7 Scores (w/o Lima, 2020).
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
ETF Tests (Maximum Follow-Up in Each Study).
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
ETF Test (Followed-Up at 1 Month).
Figure 7.
Figure 7.
ETF Tests (Followed-Up at 3 Months).
Figure 8.
Figure 8.
Funnel plot of comparison, outcome - ETDQ-7 scores (with Lima, 2020).
Figure 9.
Figure 9.
Funnel plot of comparison, outcome - ETF Tests at Maximum Follow-Up Interval in Each Study.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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