Consensus statement defines diagnostic criteria and subtypes for Eustachian tube dysfunction in adults, highlighting standardized endpoints for future clinical trials.
Key Points
To establish an international consensus on the definition, clinical subtypes, diagnostic criteria, and trial outcome measures for Eustachian tube dysfunction in adults.
Convened an international multidisciplinary panel of clinical and translational specialists in Amsterdam on 21 June 2014.
Used a UK NIHR Health Technology Assessment systematic review as the baseline evidence source, refining concepts via an iterative consensus process.
Defined Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) as a syndrome of middle ear pressure dysregulation, classified as acute (<3 months) or chronic (≥3 months), with dilatory, baro-challenge-induced, and patulous subtypes.
Established that diagnosis requires patient-reported symptoms (aural fullness, popping, discomfort) accompanied by objective evidence of abnormal middle ear pressure via otoscopy or tympanometry.
Recommended standardized outcome measurement intervals (baseline, 6–12 weeks, and 6–12 months) incorporating patient-reported symptom scores, otoscopy, tympanometry, and pure tone audiometry for clinical trials.