Posture and eustachian tube function

The patency of the Eustachian tube is affected by the position of the body, a phenomenon observed particularly in patients with patulous tubes. The symptoms of acute otitis media often start at night when the patient has been in bed for some hours. These facts indicate that the horizontal body position may constitute a factor contributing to the development of acute or chronic otitis media. The ventilatory capacity of the Eustachian tube has been studied in different postures. The clinical consequences of postural effects on the Eustachian tube are discussed.