Exploring causes and treatments for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Ph.D.-Project: Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis

Not applicable Interventional Regional Hospital West Jutland · NCT05055115

This study is testing how to better understand and treat Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Danish patients by looking at its causes and trying a new treatment called Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorRegional Hospital West Jutland Academic / other
Locations1 site (Holstebro)
Trial IDNCT05055115 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project focuses on understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) by translating and validating the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) for Danish patients. It aims to investigate the anatomical causes of ETD using combined Cone-Beam CT and MRI imaging. Additionally, the study will evaluate the effectiveness of Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty (BET) in treating chronic ETD and validate tubomanometry as a diagnostic tool. The research seeks to provide a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating ETD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults experiencing persistent symptoms of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction for more than three months.

Not a fit: Patients with recent head and neck surgery, acute infections, or certain anatomical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for patients suffering from Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of validating the ETDQ-7 in Danish settings is novel, similar studies have shown success in other languages, indicating potential for effective outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients are included in the study if they have presented constant or intermittent ETD symptoms for more than three months:

1. pressure in the ears,
2. pain in the ears,
3. a feeling that the ears are clogged or "under water",
4. ear symptoms when having a cold or sinusitis,
5. crackling or popping sound in the ears,
6. ringing in the ears,
7. feeling that the hearing is muffled.

Furthermore, objective signs of negative middle ear pressure are needed:

1. poorly retractable eardrum,
2. tympanometry compatible with negative middle ear pressure (C2 or B-curve).

Exclusion Criteria:

* patient refusal to participate in the study,
* head and neck surgery in the previous three months,
* head and neck irradiation,
* ETD symptoms \<3 months,
* adenoid hypertrophy,
* nasal polyposis,
* acute upper respiratory infection or acute sinusitis,
* tympanic membrane perforation,
* age \<18 years, cleft palate,
* craniofacial syndromes including Down's Syndrome,
* cystic fibrosis,
* ciliary dysmotility syndrome.

Where this trial is running

Holstebro

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Eustachian Tube DysfunctionMiddle Ear DiseaseHearing Loss, ConductiveMiddle Ear ProblemBalloon Eustachian TuboplastyCone-beam computed tomographyCBCTEustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.