The Effect of Types of Nasal Septum Deviation on the Eustachian Tube Function

Abstract

Objective: Nasal septum deviations are divided into six different subtypes in the literature. Because obstruction and nasal airflows in the nasal passages that these types form are different, their effects on the eustachian tube can be different. The effect of different nasal septum deviations on eustachian tube function was investigated in our study.

Methods: A total of 80 patients with six different septum types and 15 healthy volunteers were included in the study. We tested eustachian tube function with P1, P2, and P3. P1 is the tympanometric measurement while resting. P2 is the tympanometric measurement after the Toynbee maneuver. P3 is the tympanometric testing after the Valsalva maneuver. To evaluate the functionality of the eustachian tube, we used the P1-P2 >10 daPa or P-max-P-min >15 daPa criteria. Measurements were performed before and 6 months after surgery.

Results: Before surgery, there was no difference between types 1, 2, 3, and 5 and healthy volunteers in terms of eustachian tube dysfunction. Before surgery, type 4 and 6 had significant eustachian tube dysfunction compared with healthy volunteers. Type 4 and 6 showed significant improvement in the eustachian tube functions at 6th month after operation.

Conclusion: According to the results of our study, applying septoplasty only to patients with type 4 and 6 nasal septum deviations before middle ear surgery would reduce unnecessary cost and increase the success of middle ear surgeries by preventing morbidities.