Summary

• Results in negative pressure in the middle ear cleft.
• Closely related to development of chronic otitis media.
• Often accompanied by chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal cavity.
• Diagnosis may be confirmed by tympanography.
• Treatment involves supportive care and nasal corticosteroids. Surgery is appropriate if the Eustachian tube is obstructed or in the case of trauma. Pressure equalisation tubes are inserted if there are chronic otological complications.