Patulous eustachian tube identification using tympanometry.

The patulous, or nonclosing, eustachian tube is believed to affect as many as 7 percent of all adults, causing physical and psychological difficulties. This paper provides a brief review of the literature regarding the patulous eustachian tube (PET), its symptoms, precipitating conditions, incidence, diagnosis, and current medical management. Several case studies are also presented to illustrate the use of tympanometry in PET identification.