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Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disorder negatively affecting the quality of life and has become an important health problem due to its association with many diseases, especially asthma. It is among the most common chronic diseases in adults and children. It is also one of the causes of Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). This study will be significant since tests for ETD are both invasive and take more time in outpatient clinic settings. The aim of the study was to evaluate ETD in patients with AR with an easy and prompt method in outpatient settings using the ETD Questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7) and to reveal the connection between these 2 disorders.
Methods: Adult patients aged 18-65 years who presented to the Otorhinolaryngology Department of Hospital with rhinitis-related symptoms were initially screened. From this cohort, 117 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of AR, who underwent both Toynbee maneuver and tympano metric assessment and exhibited findings consistent with ETD, were included in the study.
Results: Eustachian tube dysfunction was detected in 55 (47.0%) of the 117 patients included in the study. Additionally, statistical analysis was performed in terms of age groups and gender. According to the results of the scale applied to the patients, the cut-off value was found to be 15.8 and Cronbach’s ! value was determined to be 0.813. This indicated a significant relationship between AR and ETD.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the ETDQ-7 scale appears to be useful for evaluating ETD in patients with AR in outpatient clin ics. It is also considered an easy procedure to apply, since it is noninvasive.
Cite this article as: Bulut O, Erdem D. Evaluation of Eustachian tube functions in adult allergic rhinitis patients using Eustachian tube dysfunction questionnaire-7. B-ENT. 2025;21(1):19-23.