Introduction:
Non treated Eustachian tube dysfunction might result in chronic middle ear diseases. A possible treatment option for this pathology is the balloon dilatation of the eustachian tube. The primary aim of this work was to analyze whether the taste function in ETD is already impaired. Furthermore, possible changes of the taste function after balloon dilatation of the eustachian tube were analyzed.
Methods:
Analysis included 26 patients (= 56 ears) by means of the validated taste strips. Taste measurements were performed preoperatively and in mean 51 ± 22 days after balloon dilatation in 20 patients (76%).
Results:
Compared to normative data patients' baseline taste function (summed taste score 12.4 ± 2.3 versus 9.8 ± 3.5; p = 0.002) was significantly impaired. After balloon dilatation of the Eustachian tube, the taste function remained stable (summed taste score 9.4 ± 4.3) (p = 0.814).
Conclusions:
This work suggests, that patients suffering from ETD exhibit reduced taste scores. Gustatory function does not seem to be influenced by balloon dilatation of the Eustachian tube though.
