Evaluation of predive parameters related to eustachian tube dysfunction for symptomatic middle ear barotrauma in divers

Eustachian tube dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of middle ear barotrauma. This investigation evaluates the predictive value of several parameters related to tubal dysfunction, in relation to symptomatic middle ear barotrauma in divers. Prospective and blinded. Thirty-one sport scuba divers with normal predive audiometry, tympanometry, and general and otorhinolaryngologic examination. After an occurrence of middle ear barotrauma, the individual diver predive data on smoking, mild septal deviation, otitis media history, rhinosinusitis history, Valsalva, Toynbee, and nine-step inflation/deflation tympanometric test, as well as degree of mastoid pneumatization were registered for calculation of predictive value in relation to the barotrauma. All symptomatic ears were examined within 24 hours of diving by the investigator, who was blinded to the predive findings. Barotraumas that occurred during an upper respiratory tract infection were excluded. Divers completed a total of 774 dives (median, 25; range, 3-100). Symptomatic middle ear barotrauma occurred in 19 ears (31%) of 14 divers (45%) at one time or another. The rate of tubal dysfunction measured by the nine-step test and a mastoid pneumatization below average were significantly higher in divers (p