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March 12, 2026European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology0 citationsOpen Access

Phoneme-cued coaching during standard earpopper® use

BMBulent MamikogluKPKristina PiastroRWRobert Ward

Key Points

  • The aim is to describe a standardized coaching method that enhances the use of the EarPopper device during Eustachian tube opening.
  • Integrating phoneme-based cues during EarPopper use
  • Providing detailed procedural guidance including contraindications and monitoring tools
  • Establishing a step-by-step technique for clinical and home use
  • No outcome data is presented or clinical efficacy claimed
  • Technique proposed as a coaching adjunct to standard device use
  • Focus on enhancing coordination of swallowing and soft-palate elevation

Abstract

This technical note describes a standardized coaching method that integrates a simple phoneme-based cue into standard EarPopper® use, without altering device settings, airflow, or dosing. The technique is intended to facilitate coordination between swallowing and soft-palate elevation during positive nasopharyngeal insufflation, a prerequisite for Eustachian tube (ET) opening. Explicit procedural guidance is provided, including patient selection, contraindications, step-by-step technique, the number of insufflations-swallow cycles per session, clinic onboarding, a clinic-first followed by home-use protocol, troubleshooting, and suggested monitoring tools. This article does not present outcome data or claim clinical efficacy; the technique is proposed as a behavioral coaching adjunct consistent with established concepts of ET physiology and fully compliant with the manufacturer's Instructions for Use. Clinical effectiveness has not been formally tested in a comparative study; the technique is presented as a proposed coaching adjunct to standard device use.

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Cite This Study

Mamikoglu et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69b2584996eeacc4fcec7ba9https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-026-10117-y
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