CoChat
Sign Up
Cited by 146Ear Surgery and Otitis MediaEar and Head TumorsVestibular and auditory disorders

Interventions for adult Eustachian tube dysfunction: asystematic review

Open access
Llewellyn, Alexis, Norman, Gill, Harden, Melissa, Coatesworth, Andrew, Kimberling, Daniel, Schilder, Anne, McDaid, Catriona·2014·Health Technology Assessment
DOI 10.3310/hta18460PMC PMC4781384
Open this paper in CoChat — free accountOpen PDF

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is the inability of the Eustachian tube (ET) to adequately perform at least one of its functions: to protect the middle ear from sources of disease, to ventilate the middle ear, and to help drain secretions away from the middle ear. There are a number of treatment options for ETD, but there is little consensus about management. OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical effectiveness of interventions for adult ETD and to identify gaps in the evidence to inform future research. DATA SOURCES: Twelve databases were searched up to October 2012 for published and unpublished studies in English (e.g. MEDLINE from 1946, EMBASE from 1974, Biosis Previews from 1969 and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature from inception). References of included studies, relevant systematic reviews and regulatory agency websites were checked. REVIEW METHODS: A systematic review was undertaken. Controlled studies evaluating prespecified treatments for adult patients diagnosed with ETD were eligible. Uncontrolled studies with at least 10 participants were included for interventions where no controlled studies were found. Outcomes included change in symptoms severity/frequency (primary outcome), quality of life, middle ear function, hearing, clearance of middle ear effusion, early ventilation tube extrusion, additional treatment, adverse events and complications. All aspects of the review process were performed using methods to reduce reviewer error and bias. Owing to heterogeneous data, a quantitative synthesis could not be performed, and results were reported in a narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included: three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and two non-RCTs evaluating pharmacological interventions or mechanical devices for middle ear pressure equalisation; and 13 case series and one retrospective controlled before-and-after study evaluating surgical interventions. None was conducted in the UK. All studies were small (11 to 108 participants). Most non-surgical studies reported including mixed populations of adults and children. All except two studies were at high risk of bias, and subject to multiple limitations. Based on a single RCT, nasal steroids showed no improvement in symptoms or middle ear function for patients with otitis media with effusion and/or negative middle ear pressure. Very short-term improvements in middle ear function were observed in patients receiving directly applied topical decongestants or a combination of antihistamine and ephedrine. Single trials found two pressure equalisation devices were each associated with significant short-term improvements in symptoms, middle ear function and/or hearing. Eustachian tuboplasty (seven case series) and balloon dilatation (three case series) were associated with improved outcomes. Positive results were also reported for myringotomy (two case series), directly applied topical steroids (one case series) and laser point coagulation (one controlled before-and-after study). High rates of co-interventions were documented. Minor complications of surgery and pharmacological treatments but no serious adverse effects were reported. LIMITATIONS: The evidence was limited in quantity and overall was of poor quality. No data were identified on several interventions despite extensive searches. CONCLUSIONS: It is not possible to draw conclusions regarding the effectiveness of any of the interventions for the treatment of adults with an ETD diagnosis, and there is insufficient evidence to recommend a trial of any particular intervention. Further research is needed to address lack of consensus on several issues, including the definition of ETD in adults, its relation to broader middle ear ventilation problems and clear diagnostic criteria. STUDY REGISTRATION: This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42012003035. FUNDING: The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.

Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.

A few free checks a day · papers already verified open instantly · results are public

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3310/hta18460

Cites

188 of 188 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Claims the paper makes

The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.

Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.

A few free checks a day · papers already verified open instantly · results are public

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

The self-check needs the paper’s full text.

Cites

Part of this paper’s reference list could not be split into single entries.

Flagged first, then by citations

1 of the 189 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 74

  1. Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Systematic Review of the Effects of Interventions for People Bereaved by Suicide. CRD Report 38. York: University of York; 2008.
  2. Boboshko M, Lopotko A, Karpischenko S. Experiences with Nd:YAG laser interference for correction of Eustachian tube disorders. Rivista Italiana di Otorinolaringologia Audiologia e Foniatria 2005;25:45-9.
  3. Kujawski O, Fasel J, Romanowicz R. Laser cartilaginous Eustachian tuboplasty. In Oswal V, Remade M, editors. Principles and Practice of Lasers in Otorhinolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery. The Hague: Kugler Publications; 2002. pp. 295-9.
  4. Al-Swadi W, Karlsmose B, Gaihede M, Henriksen SD, Rosborg J. Long-term treatment of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction by subannular ventilation tubes. Otol Neurotol 2005;26:301.
  5. Jahnke K, Lieberum B. A gold wire for temporary or permanent implantation in patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction. In Tos M, Thomsen J, Balle V, editors. Otitis Media Today. Proceedings of the Third Extraordinary Symposium on Recent Advances in Otitis Media, Copenhagen, Denmark, June 1-5, 1997. The Hague: Kugler Publications; 1999. pp. 619-21.
  6. Lieberum B, Jahnke K. [Golden tube wire for temporary or permanent implantation in patients with Eustachian dysfunction.] HNO 1996;44:140-2.
  7. Maeda T. [A new method of intratubal spray into the auditory tube.] Jibiinkoka 1980;52:1071-5.
  8. Mora AB, Lopez EGZ, Rodriguez JMG. [Tympanoplasty in chronic otitis media and its relations to the Eustachian tube.] Rev Med Inst Mex Seguro Soc 1999;37:127-32.
  9. Sato Y. [Complications of tympanostomy tube insertion for otitis media with effusion.]. Jibiinkoka 1986;58:79-83.
  10. Andreasson L, Reimer A. Tubal function and surgery in chronic otitis media: the predictive value of testing tubal function, Valsalva's manoeuvre and volume of ear spaces. In Sade J, editor. Basic Aspects of the Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases. Selected Papers From a Conference on the Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Geneva, Switzerland, October 26-29, 1989. Amsterdam: Kugler & Ghedini; 1991. pp. 195-200.
  11. Avraham S, Goshen S, Luntz M, Sade J. The surgical treatment of atelectatic ears and retraction pockets. In Sade J, editor. The Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Clinical Aspects. Selected Papers from a Conference on the Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Geneva, Switzerland, October 26-29, 1989. Amsterdam: Kugler & Ghedini; 1991. pp. 315-20.
  12. Bacciu S, Bortesi G, Magnani M, Pasanisi E, Scandellari R, Zini C. Medium and long-term results of Eustachian tube surgery. In Sade J, editor. The Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Clinical Aspects. Selected Papers from a Conference on the Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Geneva, Switzerland, October 26-29, 1989. Amsterdam: Kugler & Ghedini; 1991. pp. 369-73.
  13. Goode RL. CO 2 laser myringotomy. Laryngoscope 1982;92:420-3.
  14. Gordts F, Clement PAR, Derede M. Lens drain versus Donaldson drain: preliminary results of a prospective study comparing a new with a conventional ventilation tube. In Sade J, editor. The Eustachian tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Clinical Aspects. Selected Papers from a Conference on the Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Geneva, Switzerland, October 26-29, 1989. Amsterdam: Kugler & Ghedini; 1991. pp. 383-88.
  15. Guindi GM. A new concept for auto regulation of endo-tympamic pressure and its application in Eustachian tube dysfunction. Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci 1980;5:425-6. APPENDIX 3 NIHR Journals Library www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk
  16. Güneren E, Özsoy Z, Ulay M, Eryilmaz E, Özkul H, Geary PM. A comparison of the effects of Veau-Wardill- Kilner palatoplasty and Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty operations on Eustachian tube function. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2000;37:266-70.
  17. Helms J, Wiedenmann M. Surgery of the atelectatic middle ear. In Sade J, editor. The Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Clinical Aspects. Selected Papers from a Conference on the Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Geneva, Switzerland, October 26-29, 1989. Amsterdam: Kugler & Ghedini; 1991. pp. 329-30.
  18. Iliades T, Kiratzidis T, Igoumenidis N. Surgical and medical treatment of secretory otitis media (SOM). In Sade J, editor. The Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Clinical Aspects. Selected Papers from a Conference on the Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Geneva, Switzerland, October 26-29, 1989. Amsterdam: Kugler & Ghedini; 1991. pp. 305-11.
  19. Jansen C. Results of Eustachian tube surgery in cholesteatoma. In Sade J, editor. The Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Clinical Aspects. Selected Papers from a Conference on the Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Geneva, Switzerland, October 26-29, 1989. Amsterdam: Kugler & Ghedini; 1991. pp. 351-2.
  20. Jesic SD, Dimitrijevic MV, Nesic VS, Jotic AD, Slijepcevic NA. Temporalis fascia graft perforation and retraction after tympanoplasty for chronic tubotympanic otitis and attic retraction pockets: factors associated with recurrence. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2011;137:139-43.
  21. Loock JW. A randomised controlled trial of active chronic otitis media comparing courses of eardrops versus one-off topical treatments suitable for primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare settings. Clin Otolaryngol 2012;37:261-70.
  22. Luntz M, Sade J. The diagnostic and therapeutic value of middle ear inflation. In Sade J, editor. Basic Aspects of the Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases. Selected Papers from a Conference on the Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Geneva, Switzerland, October 26-29, 1989. Amsterdam: Kulgler & Ghedini; 1991. pp. 183-5.
  23. McNicoll WD. Uncomplicated Eustachian tube dysfunction: the site of the nasal septal deformity. J R Nav Med Serv 1982;68:23-9.
  24. McNicoll WD. Remediable Eustachian tube dysfunction in diving recruits: assessment, investigation, and management. Undersea Biomed Res 1982;9:37-43.
  25. McNicoll WD, Scanlan SG. Submucous resection: the treatment of choice in the nose-ear distress syndrome. J R Nav Med Serv 1979;65:123-30.
  26. Millet D, Talmor D. Follow-up of long-term ventilation of the middle ear using the Goode T-tube. In Sade J, editor. The Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Clinical Aspects. Amsterdam: Kugler & Ghedini; 1991. pp. 391-6.
  27. Moeller P, Dingsoer G. Secretory otitis media: can erythromycin reduce the need for ventilating tubes? In Sade J, editor. The Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Clinical Aspects. Selected Papers from a Conference on the Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, 26-29 October 1989, Geneva, Switzerland. Amsterdam: Kugler & Ghedini; 1991. pp. 67-70. APPENDIX 3 NIHR Journals Library www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk
  28. Moore GF. Candidate's thesis: revision tympanoplasty utilizing fossa triangularis cartilage. Laryngoscope 2002;112:1543-54.
  29. Morita M, Imai T, Kitahara T, Nishiike S, Horii A, Uno A, et al. A novel treatment modality with reference to Eustachian tube function in Meniere's disease patients. J Vestib Res 2002;11:267.
  30. Murata K, Ohta F. Reconstruction of the Eustachian tube and the anterior tympanum: planned staged tubo-tympanoplasty. Laryngoscope 1985;95:330-4.
  31. Olaizola F. Tympanoplasties in the AAD technique (antrum exclusion, attic elimination on demand): philosophy and results after seven years. In Sade J, editor. The Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Clinical Aspects. Selected Papers from a Conference on the Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, 26-29 October 1989, Geneva, Switzerland,. Amsterdam: Kugler & Ghedini; 1991. pp. 331-4.
  32. Park YS, Jung TTK, Choi DJ, Rhee CK, Richmond T, Weeks D. Effect of blockers of leukotriene and/or platelet-activating factor on experimental otitis media with effusion induced by Eustachian tube obstruction. In Mogi G, Honjo I, Ishii T, Takasaka T, editors. Recent Advances in Otitis Media. Proceedings of the Second Extraordinary International Symposium, 31 March-3 April, Oita, Japan. Amsterdam: Kugler Publications; 1994. pp. 671-5.
  33. Peerless SA, Noiman AH. Etiology of otitis media with effusion: antihistamines -decongestants. Laryngoscope 1980;90:1852-64.
  34. Podoshin L, Fradis M, Ben-David Y. The efficacy of oral steroids on persistent otitis media with effusion. In Sade J, editor. The Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Clinical Aspects. Selected Papers from a Conference on the Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, 26-29 October 1989, Geneva, Switzerland. Amsterdam: Kugler & Ghedini; 1991. pp. 215-18.
  35. Qvarnberg Y, Valtonen H. Early treatment with ventilation tube in otitis media: a follow-up study. In Sade J, editor. The Eustachian tube and middle ear diseases, clinical aspects. Selected papers from a conference on the Eustachian tube and middle ear diseases, 26-29 October 1989, Geneva, Switzerland. Amsterdam Kugler & Ghedini; 1991. pp. 377-81.
  36. Salvinelli F, Casale M, Greco F, D'Ascanio L, Petitti T, Di Peco V. Nasal surgery and Eustachian tube function: effects on middle ear ventilation. Clin Otolaryngol 2005;30:409-13.
  37. Sharp M. The manometric investigation of tubal function with reference to myringoplasty results. J Laryngol Otol 1970;84:545-51.
  38. Stangerup SE, Tos M. Autoinflation in the treatment of Eustachian tube dysfunction, secretory otitis media and its sequelae. In Mogi G, Honjo I, Ishii T, Takasaka T, editors. Recent Advances in Otitis Media. Proceedings of the Second Extraordinary International Symposium, 31 March-3 April, Otia, Japan. Amsterdam: Kugler Publications; 1994. pp. 759-63.
  39. Sterkers O, Benghalem A, Bowdler DA, Marrakchi A, Sterkers JM. Aeration of Reconstructed Radical Cavities. In Sade J, editor. The Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Clinical Aspects. Selected Papers from a Conference on the Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Ddiseases, 26-29 October 1989, Geneva, Switzerland. Amsterdam: Kugler & Ghedini; 1991. pp. 343-46.
  40. Stillwagon PK, Doyle WJ, Fireman P. Effect of an antihistamine/decongestant on nasal and Eustachian tube function. Ann Allergy 1987;58:281.
  41. Stringham JC, Parkin JL. Stent diameter in Eustachian tuboplasty success. Clin Res 1987;35:161A.
  42. Todt I, Seidl R, Ernst A. A new minimally invasive method for the transtubal, microendoscopic application of fluids to the middle ear. Minim Invasive Ther Allied Technol 2008;17:300-2.
  43. Tono T, Morimitsu T, Makino K, Haruta A. Pathogenesis of cholesteatoma inferred from postoperative results of anterior tympanotomy. In McCafferty G, Coman W, Carroll R, editors. Sydney '97 -XVI World Congress of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. Bologna: Monduzzi Editore; 1997. pp. 929-32.
  44. Galletti F, Muscianisi F, Galletti B, Galletti C. [Clinical evaluation of the effect of a new antiphlogistic drug on mucociliary clearance and the surfactant properties of the Eustachian tube mucosa.] Arch Med Interna 1989;41:17-23.
  45. Drettner B, Ekvall L. Tympanomaxillary shunt. Experiences and development. Acta Otolaryngol 1973;75:277-8.
  46. Gottschalk G. Middle ear inflation: its place in the treatment of otitis media with effusion. In Sade J, editor. The Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Clinical Aspects. Selected Papers from a Conference on the Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, 26-29 October 1989, Geneva, Switzerland. Amsterdam: Kugler & Ghedini; 1991. pp. 293-5.
  47. Kay NJ Nasal surgery and Eustachian tube function: effects on middle ear ventilation. Clin Otolaryngol 2005;30:409-13.
  48. Kuschke E. Pressure-equalizing tubes and middle-ear drainage. S Afr Med J 1980;57:1024.
  49. Magnuson B. How to treat tubal malfunction? In Sade J, editor. The Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Clinical Aspects. Selected Papers from a Conference on the Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, 26-29 October 1989, Geneva, Switzerland. Amsterdam: Kugler & Ghedini; 1991. pp. 289-91.
  50. Poe D. In reference to balloon dilatation Eustachian tuboplasty: a clinical study. Laryngoscope 2011;121:908.
  51. Scandellari R, Zini C, Bacciu S, Pasanisi E. Presurgical transtympanic catheterism of the Eustachian tube in tympanoplasty. In Sade J, editor. The Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, Clinical Aspects. Selected Papers from a Conference on the Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Diseases, 26-29 October 1989, Geneva, Switzerland. Amsterdam: Kugler & Ghedini; 1991. pp. 365-68.
  52. Valentino RL. Chronic dysfunction of the Eustachian tube. Clin Advisor 2009;12:21-2.
  53. van Heerbeek N, Ingels KJOA, Rijkers GT, Zielhuis GA. Therapeutic improvement of Eustachian tube function: a review. Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci 2002;27:50-6.
  54. Kryukov AI, Garov EV, Antonyan RG, Azarov PV, Gutieva TK. [Differential atticoanthrotomy with type 1 tympanoplasty as the method of choice for the treatment of chronic perforating otitis media with expressed mucositis.] Vestn Otorinolaringol 2011;5:32-4.
  55. Lieberum B, Jahnke K. [Golden tube wire for temporary or permanent implantation in patients with Eustachian dysfunction.] HNO 1996;44:140-2.
  56. Maeda T. [A new method of intratubal spray into the auditory tube.] Jibiinkoka 1980;52:1071-5.
  57. Maier W, Krebs A. [Is there an indication for septoplasty and conchotomy before tympanoplasty? Effects of nasal surgery on the Eustachian tube.] Laryngorhinootologie 1998;77:682-7.
  58. Mora AB, Lopez EGZ, Rodriguez JMG. [Tympanoplasty in chronic otitis media and its relations to the Eustachian tube.] Rev Med Inst Mex Seguro Soc 1999;37:127-32.
  59. Sato Y. [Complications of tympanostomy tube insertion for otitis media with effusion.] Jibiinkoka 1986;58:79-83.
  60. Kujawski O, Fasel J, Romanowicz R. Laser Cartilaginous Eustachian Tuboplasty. In Oswal V, Remade M, editors. Principles and Practice of Lasers in Otorhinolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery. The Hague: Kugler Publications; 2002. pp. 295-9.
  61. Kujawski OB, Poe DS. Laser Eustachian tuboplasty. Otol Neurotol 2004;25:1-8.
  62. Poe D, Kujawaski O. Endoscopic Diagnosis and Surgery of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. In Silverstein H, Rosenberg SI, Poe D, Jackson LE, editors. Minimally Invasive Otological Surgery. New York, NY: Thomson/Delmar Learning; 2003. pp. 51-69.
  63. Balloon dilatation Dalchow C, Muenscher A, Knecht R. Endoscopic dilatation of the Eustachian tube. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2011;145:P93.
  64. Bouginage Tos M. Management of tubal function in reconstructive middle ear surgery. J Laryngol Otol 1980;94:25-30.
  65. Gold wire Jahnke K, Lieberum B. A gold wire for temporary or permanent implantation in patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction. In Tos M, Thomsen J, Balle V, editors. Otitis Media Today. Proceedings of the Third Extraordinary Symposium on Recent Advances in Otitis Media, 1-5 June 1997, Copenhagen, Denmark. The Hague: Kugler Publications; 1999. pp. 619-21.
  66. Gimenez F, Marco-Algarra J, Carbonell R, Morant A, Cano S. Prognostic factors in tympanoplasty: a statistical evaluation. Rev Laryngol Otol Rhinol 1993;114:335-7.
  67. Ventilation tubes Al-Swadi W, Karlsmose B, Gaihede M, Henriksen SD, Rosborg J. Long-term treatment of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction by subannular ventilation tubes. Otol Neurotol 2005;26:301.
  68. Elluru RG, Dhanda R, Neely JG, Goebel JA. Anterior subannular T-tube for prolonged middle ear ventilation during tympanoplasty: evaluation of efficacy and complications. Otol Neurotol 2001;22:761-5.
  69. Gupta SC, Malhotra M, Singh M. Eustachian tube function after transmyringeal ventilation. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005;57:39-42.
  70. Jahn AF. Middle ear ventilation with HydroxylVent tube: review of the initial series. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1993;108:701-5.
  71. Jensen MG, Jacobsen H, Gaihede ML, Rosborg J. Subannular ventilation tubes in treatment of chronic tubal dysfunction -results in 85 consecutive cases. In Huber A, Eiber A, editors. Middle Ear Mechanics in Research and Otology. Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium, 27-30 July 2006, Zurich, Switzerland. Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Company; 2007. pp. 46-52.
  72. O'Hare T, Goebel JA. Anterior subannular T-tube for long-term middle ear ventilation during tympanoplasty. Am J Otol 1999;20:304-8.
  73. Per-Lee JH. Long-term middle ear ventilation. Laryngoscope 1981;91:1063-73.
  74. Rothera MP, Grant HR. Long-term ventilation of the middle ear using the Goode T-tube. J Laryngol Otol 1985;99:335-7.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Llewellyn, A., Norman, G., Harden, M., Coatesworth, A., Kimberling, D., Schilder, A., & McDaid, C.
Affiliations
  • University of York (GB)
  • York Hospital (GB)
  • Gale Farm Surgery, York, UK
  • Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital (GB)
Corresponding author
McDaid, Catriona
ORCID
Venue
Health Technology Assessment
Publisher
National Institute for Health and Care Research
Published
2014-07
Volume
18
Issue
46
Pages
1-180, v
ISSN
  • 1366-5278 (ISSN-L)
  • 2046-4924
DOI
10.3310/hta18460
PMC
PMC4781384
OpenAlex
W2048123221
Cited by
146
References
189
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 18 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 21 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 15 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 13 · 2015: 6
FWCI
1.91
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Health Technology Assessment (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Research Explorer (The University of Manchester) (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
National Institute for Health Research
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Otorhinolaryngology › Ear Surgery and Otitis Media
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Ear and Head Tumors
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Vestibular and auditory disorders
Keywords
Eustachian tube dysfunction, otitis media with effusion, nasal steroids, topical decongestants, balloon dilation, myringotomy, tympanostomy tubes, middle ear function, hearing outcomes, quality of life, treatment effectiveness
MeSH terms
Administration, Topical, Adult, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Eustachian Tube, Female, Histamine Antagonists, Humans, Male, Middle Ear Ventilation, Otitis Media with Effusion, Prognosis, Severity of Illness Index, Nasal Decongestants, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Treatment Outcome, Risk Assessment, Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review