Balloon Dilation of the Eustachian Tube for Baro-Challenge-Induced Otologic Symptoms in Military Divers and Aviators: A Retrospective Analysis

• Published in: Ear, nose, & throat journal nose, & throat journal, 2020-07, p.145561320938156-145561320938156
• Main Authors: Utz, Edward R, LaBanc, Austin J, Nelson, Mikal J, Gaudreau, Philip A, Wise, Sean R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0145-5613; 1942-7522
• DOI: 10.1177/0145561320938156

To evaluate the effectiveness of balloon dilation (tuboplasty) of the Eustachian tube (BET) in active duty military personnel working in hyper- and hypobaric environments suffering from baro-challenge-induced ETD using functional outcomes. Military divers and aviators diagnosed with persistent baro-challenge-induced ETD resulting in disqualification from performing flight and dive duties and who elected for treatment with BET were included for analysis. Posttreatment follow-up assessments were undertaken at 1, 6, and 12 months. Outcome measures included successful hyperbaric chamber testing or return to the hyper- or hypobaric environment without significant baro-challenge-induced ETD symptoms and pre- and postdilation Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) scores. Mean pretreatment duration of symptoms was 48 months (range: 3-120 months). Following treatment, 92% (12/13) of patients successfully returned to operational duties with resolution of limiting symptoms. Average return to duty time was 8.5 weeks (range: 6-24 weeks). The ETDQ-7 scores improved from a mean of 4.33 (2.57-6.57) predilation to 2.19 (1.00-4.43) postdilation ( = 2.73, = 70, = .0063). Mean duration of follow-up was 38 weeks (range: 13-70 weeks). Eustachian tube balloon dilation appears to be a safe and highly effective treatment option for baro-challenge-induced ETD in affected military divers and aviators who work in hyper- and hypobaric environments. Further study is needed to determine whether similar results can be achieved in more diverse subject populations and to assess long-term effectiveness.