The effect of paper patching on aural fullness of unknown aetiology

The effect of paper patching on aural fullness of unknown aetiology. Objective: To assess the effect of paper patching on aural fullness.

Methodology: We conducted a prospective, single-blind, placebo-controlled study using urn randomization. Twentytwo patients presenting with the complaint of aural fullness, without middle-ear pathology, were recruited from a secondary referral centre. The tested intervention was the application of paper patches on specified areas of the tympanic membrane. The main outcome measure was the change in subjective symptoms of average aural fullness and peak aural fullness, based on differences between pre- and post-intervention measurements on a scale from 0 to 10.

Results: Paper patching led to significant improvement in subjective symptom scores. In the treatment group, the change in average aural fullness was −2.00 (SD 2.00, p = 0.006), and the change in peak fullness was −1.77 (SD 2.49, p = 0.01). In the placebo group, these values were −0.13 (SD 1.55, p = 0.72) and +0.33 (SD 1.10, p = 0.37), respectively. No major adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion: After one week of treatment, paper patching showed a beneficial effect on aural fullness of vague or unknown aetiology.