Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine - Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Tympanometer for both; The study group and the control group. Statistical analysis has been performed for the pressure readings, differences in pressure through inflation-deflation test and external canal volume. The results were compared with the control group. Throughout the results, four ears showed type (C) tympanogram representing eustachian tube dysfunction, two ears showed type (B) tympanogram which represent otitis media with effusion. While other ears showed type (A) tympanogram. On comparing the pressure values between the patients and the control, significant decrease was noticed in (P2) value in the patients group and no significant difference existed in the external canal volume. On examining the changes in pressure by inflation-deflation test, there was a significant difference in (P1-P2) values between the patients and the control group. Similarly significant difference was detected in (P2-P3) values between the patients and the control group. This means that (ET) could not fulfill effective tubal opening to accommodate with the changed pressure. Many theories have been postulated regarding the effect of the temporomandibular joint on the eustachian tube. The presence of embryological link between the (TMJ) and (ET) might be the reason behind that act. Close anatomical inter-relation also might cause reciprocal affection between the (TMJ) and (ET). Hyper tonicity of the muscles responsible of opening the (ET) and Compression of the neighboring muscle may interfere with the periodic opening of (ET) and induce Eustachian tube dysfunction

Issued also as CD