Investigation of Activities of Paratubal Muscles for Opening Eustachian Tube as Assessed by Simultaneous Electromyography and Tympanic Air Exchange Observations

1.3X0.4 mm, sterile subdermal monopolar needle electrodes along with the same type of reference needle electrodes were inserted mTVP and mLVP muscles submucosally through the soft palate trans orally. The point of insertion for mTVP was one mm inferior and lateral of the pterygoid hamulus which is palpable at the posterior-medial of the upper alveolus. The active electrode was fully inserted horizontally into the superior belly of mTVP on the tested side. The reference electrode for mTVP was inserted into the palatine aponeurosis at one centimeter apart from the active electrode. The point of insertion for the mLVP active electrode was one centimeter medial and five mm inferior to the hamulus pterygoideus. Reference electrode of mLVP was inserted into one cm apart of medial side of the passive electrode of the mTVP at palatine aponeurosis.

Tympanic cavity air exchange test is done by placing a sensitive pressure sensor in the ear canal and another pressure sensor on one of the nostrils. Patient is asked to to obstruct the other nostril with his/her index finger while holding the probe in place securely and asked to swallow the water during the next ten seconds. Both ear canal and nasal pressure values were simultaneously recorded on tympanic cavity air exchange sensor computer for subsequent analyses. The swallowing action triggers the ET opening and causes a momentary increase of pressure in the nasal cavity. ET opening moves the tympanic membrane which is sensed by the sensors.

Patient is subjected to tympanometry test on the specific ear and information is recorded.