Section: 
Otiology
OtiologyEvaluation of neuromuscular pharyngeal apparatus in auditory tube dysfunction in patients with otitis media with effusion
T. V. Zolotova (1), O. A. Emel’yanenko (2)
(1) Rostov State Medical University, Rostov-on-Don, 344022, Russian Federation, (2) Semashko Central City Hospital, Rostov-on-Don, 344000, Rostov-on-Don, 344000, Russian Federation
UDK: УДК 616.32:57.087:616.288.5:616.284-002.153
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18692/1810-4800-2025-6-61-66
ABSTRACT
Abstract. The relevance of the problem of otitis media with effusion (OME) has persisted for a long time, which is due to the frequency of the disease and its adverse effect on hearing and social adaptation. At the same time, the dysfunction of the auditory tube remains a leading factor in the pathogenesis of OME and largely depends on the condition of the muscular and neurovegetative structures of the soft palate. The effect of these mechanisms on the soft palate muscles, which affects the function of the auditory tube, should help restore the function of the auditory tube, improve the aeration and drainage of the tympanic cavity, and positively affect hearing. Objective. To assess the condition of the neuromuscular apparatus of the pharynx in patients with OME and Eustachian tube dysfunction and to determine the indications for its restoration using electromyostimulation. Patients and methods. The study included 88 patients aged 5 to 55 years who were being treated for OME, and 32 healthy volunteers. The study used the chronaximetry method to assess the functional state of the neuromuscular tissue in the pharynx and auditory tubes. The auditory function was determined using tonal threshold audiometry and impedance methods. Results. The results obtained in patients with OME indicated muscle dysfunction of the pharynx and Eustachian tubes, affecting the functions of the auditory tubes. In all healthy individuals who underwent a study of the excitability of the pharynx and auditory tubes, the chronaximetry value corresponding to the lightning-fast contraction of the muscle in response to the threshold pulse current was less than 1 millisecond (ms). Among the examined patients with OME, 64 people (72.8%) showed a change in chronaxia values of more than 1 ms, characterizing a decrease in the functional lability of the studied neuromuscular apparatus. 58 of them (90%) had a recurrent course. It is proposed to use chronaximetry data to determine indications for electrical stimulation on the pharyngeal muscles when drawing up a treatment plan for patients suffering from OME, especially in cases of recurrent disease.
Publication date:
23.12.2025
Keywords:
otitis media with effusion, auditory tube dysfunction, pharyngeal neuromuscular apparatus, chronaximetry, electromyostimulation For citation:
Zolotova T. V., Emel’yanenko O. A. Evaluation of neuromuscular pharyngeal apparatus in auditory tube dysfunction in patients with otitis media with effusion. Russian Otorhinolaryngology. 2025;24(6):61-66. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.18692/1810-4800-2025-6-61-66