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Otolaryngology (ENT)99 papers

Obstructive eustachian valve

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

The eustachian valve, when obstructive, can impede normal middle ear ventilation and pressure equalization, leading to symptoms such as otitis media with effusion, hearing loss, and recurrent ear infections. 20

Diagnosis

  • Clinical presentation includes symptoms like hearing loss, ear fullness, and recurrent otitis media.
  • Diagnostic imaging (CT/MRI) may reveal anatomical abnormalities or obstruction at the eustachian valve.
  • Eustachian tube function tests, such as pneumatic otoscopy or tympanometry, can assess patency and function. 20

    • Management

  • Medical Management:
    • - Nasal corticosteroids to reduce mucosal inflammation. - Autoinflation techniques to manually open the eustachian tube.
  • Surgical Intervention:
    • - Consider surgical exploration or valve resection in refractory cases where conservative measures fail. 20

    Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Children may require more conservative approaches initially due to anatomical considerations and potential for spontaneous resolution. 20
  • Elderly: Increased prevalence of comorbidities may complicate management; careful consideration of surgical risks is essential. 20

    • Key Recommendations

  • Initiate conservative management with autoinflation techniques and nasal corticosteroids for symptomatic relief. (Evidence: Moderate 20)
  • Consider imaging studies (CT/MRI) to evaluate anatomical causes of obstruction when conservative measures fail. (Evidence: Moderate 20)
  • Evaluate surgical intervention, such as valve resection, in cases refractory to medical management, balancing risks and benefits particularly in elderly patients. (Evidence: Expert opinion 20)

    • References

    1 Mughal Z, Gupta KK, di Traglia R, Fruhstorfer B. Effectiveness of E-Learning in Undergraduate ENT Education: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review. The Laryngoscope 2026. link 2 Hoskins M, Bhanja D, Piper M, Strausser SA, Mansfield K, Zheng A et al.. Training Program Factors Most Important to Women When Selecting an Otolaryngology Residency. The Laryngoscope 2024. link 3 Fan D, Wang C, Qin X, Qiu S, Xu Y, Wang Y et al.. Evaluation of the BOPPPS model on otolaryngologic education for five-year undergraduates. BMC medical education 2024. link 4 Su JM, Hsu SY, Fang TY, Wang PC. Developing and validating a knowledge-based AI assessment system for learning clinical core medical knowledge in otolaryngology. Computers in biology and medicine 2024. link 5 Lee J, Stevens MN, Landeen KC, Lipscomb BE, Whigham AS. A Four-Week Otolaryngology Virtual Educational Curriculum for Prospective Applicants. Ear, nose, & throat journal 2024. link 6 Chen JX, Chao TN, Bowe SN, Zhao NW. Conceptualizing Fit in Surgical Residency Selection: The Experience in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Journal of surgical education 2024. link 7 Salmon MK, Triantafillou V, Frost AS, Maina IW, Kearney JJ, Ruckenstein MJ et al.. Flipping the Otolaryngology Didactics Curriculum: Results of a Novel Resident Course Structure. The Laryngoscope 2023. link 8 Naismith K, Ioanidis K, Dzioba A, MacNeil SD, Paradis J, Nayan S et al.. Canadian women in otolaryngology: head and neck surgery part 2-challenges in family planning, fertility, and lactation. Journal of otolaryngology - head & neck surgery = Le Journal d'oto-rhino-laryngologie et de chirurgie cervico-faciale 2023. link 9 Mamidi IS, Gu A, Mulcahy CF, Wei C, Zapanta PE. Perceived Impact of USMLE Step 1 Score Reporting to Pass/Fail on Otolaryngology Applicant Selection. The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology 2022. link 10 Duong MN, Strumpf A, Daniero JJ, Jameson MJ, Mattos JL. Redesigning Journal Club to Improve Participant Satisfaction and Education. Journal of surgical education 2022. link 11 Leung G, Pickett AT, Bartellas M, Milin A, Bromwich M, Shorr R et al.. Systematic review and meta-analysis of 3D-printing in otolaryngology education. International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology 2022. link 12 Wehling J, Volkenstein S, Dazert S, Wrobel C, van Ackeren K, Johannsen K et al.. Fast-track flipping: flipped classroom framework development with open-source H5P interactive tools. BMC medical education 2021. link 13 Malka R, Villwock J, Faucett EA, Bowe S. Podcast-Based Learning in Otolaryngology: Availability, Breadth, and Comparison with Other Specialties. The Laryngoscope 2021. link 14 Brinkmeier JV. Reflections on the Value of Participation in Simulation as Young Faculty. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2020. link 15 Villwock JA, Bowe SN, Dunleavy D, Overton BR, Sharma S, Abaza MM. Adding Long-term Value to the Residency Selection and Assessment Process. The Laryngoscope 2020. link 16 Fairmont I, Farrell N, Johnson AP, Cabrera-Muffly C. Influence of Gender and Racial Diversity on the Otolaryngology Residency Match. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2020. link 17 Schmalbach CE. Otolaryngology Resident Reviewer Development Program: Lessons Learned from Cohort 1. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2019. link 18 Hsueh WD, Bent JP, Moskowitz HS. An app to enhance resident education in otolaryngology. The Laryngoscope 2018. link 19 Cass ND, Okland TS, Rodriguez K, Mann SE. Otolaryngology Education: Recent Trends in Publication. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2017. link 20 Tarpada SP, Hsueh WD, Gibber MJ. Resident and student education in otolaryngology: A 10-year update on e-learning. The Laryngoscope 2017. link 21 Bowe SN, Laury AM, Kepchar JJ, Lospinoso J. Programmatic Assessment of a Comprehensive Quality Improvement Curriculum in an Otolaryngology Residency. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2016. link 22 Tsai Do BS. Reflections on the Changing Platform of Education for the Budding Otolaryngologist. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2015. link 23 Woods R, Subramaniam T, Patterson A, Hennessy M, Timon C. Validation and evaluation of new assessments for the otolaryngology undergraduate medical clerkship. The Journal of laryngology and otology 2015. link 24 Campagna-Vaillancourt M, Manoukian J, Razack S, Nguyen LH. Acceptability and reliability of multiple mini interviews for admission to otolaryngology residency. The Laryngoscope 2014. link 25 McMains KC, Peel J. Dedicated training in adult education among otolaryngology faculty. The Laryngoscope 2014. link 26 Platt MP, Davis EM, Grundfast K, Grillone G. Early detection of factual knowledge deficiency and remediation in otolaryngology residency education. The Laryngoscope 2014. link 27 Deutsch ES, Orioles A, Kreicher K, Malloy KM, Rodgers DL. A qualitative analysis of faculty motivation to participate in otolaryngology simulation boot camps. The Laryngoscope 2013. link 28 Grasl MC, Pokieser P, Gleiss A, Brandstaetter J, Sigmund T, Erovic BM et al.. A new blended learning concept for medical students in otolaryngology. Archives of otolaryngology--head & neck surgery 2012. link 29 Sharp S, Puscas L, Schwab B, Lee WT. Comparison of applicant criteria and program expectations for choosing residency programs in the otolaryngology match. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2011. link 30 Prager JD, Myer CM, Pensak ML. Improving the letter of recommendation. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2010. link 31 Laeeq K, Weatherly RA, Masood H, Thompson RE, Brown DJ, Cummings CW et al.. Barriers to the implementation of competency-based education and assessment: a survey of otolaryngology program directors. The Laryngoscope 2010. link 32 Forsen JW, Hartman JM, Neely JG. Tutorials in clinical research, part VIII: Creating a journal club. The Laryngoscope 2003. link 33 Mudry A. The history of the microscope for use in ear surgery. The American journal of otology 2000. link 34 Ashikawa H, Xu G, Veloski JJ. Students' ratings of otolaryngology clerkship activities: the role of residents. Medical teacher 1992. link 35 Stringer SP, Cassisi NJ, Slattery WH. Otolaryngology residency selection process. Medical student perspective. Archives of otolaryngology--head & neck surgery 1992. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Effectiveness of E-Learning in Undergraduate ENT Education: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review. — Mughal Z, Gupta KK, di Traglia R, Fruhstorfer B The Laryngoscope (2026)
    2. [2]
      Training Program Factors Most Important to Women When Selecting an Otolaryngology Residency. — Hoskins M, Bhanja D, Piper M, Strausser SA, Mansfield K, Zheng A et al. The Laryngoscope (2024)
    3. [3]
      Evaluation of the BOPPPS model on otolaryngologic education for five-year undergraduates. — Fan D, Wang C, Qin X, Qiu S, Xu Y, Wang Y et al. BMC medical education (2024)
    4. [4]
      Developing and validating a knowledge-based AI assessment system for learning clinical core medical knowledge in otolaryngology. — Su JM, Hsu SY, Fang TY, Wang PC Computers in biology and medicine (2024)
    5. [5]
      A Four-Week Otolaryngology Virtual Educational Curriculum for Prospective Applicants. — Lee J, Stevens MN, Landeen KC, Lipscomb BE, Whigham AS Ear, nose, & throat journal (2024)
    6. [6]
      Conceptualizing Fit in Surgical Residency Selection: The Experience in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. — Chen JX, Chao TN, Bowe SN, Zhao NW Journal of surgical education (2024)
    7. [7]
      Flipping the Otolaryngology Didactics Curriculum: Results of a Novel Resident Course Structure. — Salmon MK, Triantafillou V, Frost AS, Maina IW, Kearney JJ, Ruckenstein MJ et al. The Laryngoscope (2023)
    8. [8]
      Canadian women in otolaryngology: head and neck surgery part 2-challenges in family planning, fertility, and lactation. — Naismith K, Ioanidis K, Dzioba A, MacNeil SD, Paradis J, Nayan S et al. Journal of otolaryngology - head & neck surgery = Le Journal d'oto-rhino-laryngologie et de chirurgie cervico-faciale (2023)
    9. [9]
      Perceived Impact of USMLE Step 1 Score Reporting to Pass/Fail on Otolaryngology Applicant Selection. — Mamidi IS, Gu A, Mulcahy CF, Wei C, Zapanta PE The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology (2022)
    10. [10]
      Redesigning Journal Club to Improve Participant Satisfaction and Education. — Duong MN, Strumpf A, Daniero JJ, Jameson MJ, Mattos JL Journal of surgical education (2022)
    11. [11]
      Systematic review and meta-analysis of 3D-printing in otolaryngology education. — Leung G, Pickett AT, Bartellas M, Milin A, Bromwich M, Shorr R et al. International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology (2022)
    12. [12]
      Fast-track flipping: flipped classroom framework development with open-source H5P interactive tools. — Wehling J, Volkenstein S, Dazert S, Wrobel C, van Ackeren K, Johannsen K et al. BMC medical education (2021)
    13. [13]
      Podcast-Based Learning in Otolaryngology: Availability, Breadth, and Comparison with Other Specialties. — Malka R, Villwock J, Faucett EA, Bowe S The Laryngoscope (2021)
    14. [14]
      Reflections on the Value of Participation in Simulation as Young Faculty. — Brinkmeier JV Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (2020)
    15. [15]
      Adding Long-term Value to the Residency Selection and Assessment Process. — Villwock JA, Bowe SN, Dunleavy D, Overton BR, Sharma S, Abaza MM The Laryngoscope (2020)
    16. [16]
      Influence of Gender and Racial Diversity on the Otolaryngology Residency Match. — Fairmont I, Farrell N, Johnson AP, Cabrera-Muffly C Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (2020)
    17. [17]
      Otolaryngology Resident Reviewer Development Program: Lessons Learned from Cohort 1. — Schmalbach CE Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (2019)
    18. [18]
      An app to enhance resident education in otolaryngology. — Hsueh WD, Bent JP, Moskowitz HS The Laryngoscope (2018)
    19. [19]
      Otolaryngology Education: Recent Trends in Publication. — Cass ND, Okland TS, Rodriguez K, Mann SE Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (2017)
    20. [20]
      Resident and student education in otolaryngology: A 10-year update on e-learning. — Tarpada SP, Hsueh WD, Gibber MJ The Laryngoscope (2017)
    21. [21]
      Programmatic Assessment of a Comprehensive Quality Improvement Curriculum in an Otolaryngology Residency. — Bowe SN, Laury AM, Kepchar JJ, Lospinoso J Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (2016)
    22. [22]
      Reflections on the Changing Platform of Education for the Budding Otolaryngologist. — Tsai Do BS Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (2015)
    23. [23]
      Validation and evaluation of new assessments for the otolaryngology undergraduate medical clerkship. — Woods R, Subramaniam T, Patterson A, Hennessy M, Timon C The Journal of laryngology and otology (2015)
    24. [24]
      Acceptability and reliability of multiple mini interviews for admission to otolaryngology residency. — Campagna-Vaillancourt M, Manoukian J, Razack S, Nguyen LH The Laryngoscope (2014)
    25. [25]
      Dedicated training in adult education among otolaryngology faculty. — McMains KC, Peel J The Laryngoscope (2014)
    26. [26]
      Early detection of factual knowledge deficiency and remediation in otolaryngology residency education. — Platt MP, Davis EM, Grundfast K, Grillone G The Laryngoscope (2014)
    27. [27]
      A qualitative analysis of faculty motivation to participate in otolaryngology simulation boot camps. — Deutsch ES, Orioles A, Kreicher K, Malloy KM, Rodgers DL The Laryngoscope (2013)
    28. [28]
      A new blended learning concept for medical students in otolaryngology. — Grasl MC, Pokieser P, Gleiss A, Brandstaetter J, Sigmund T, Erovic BM et al. Archives of otolaryngology--head & neck surgery (2012)
    29. [29]
      Comparison of applicant criteria and program expectations for choosing residency programs in the otolaryngology match. — Sharp S, Puscas L, Schwab B, Lee WT Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (2011)
    30. [30]
      Improving the letter of recommendation. — Prager JD, Myer CM, Pensak ML Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (2010)
    31. [31]
      Barriers to the implementation of competency-based education and assessment: a survey of otolaryngology program directors. — Laeeq K, Weatherly RA, Masood H, Thompson RE, Brown DJ, Cummings CW et al. The Laryngoscope (2010)
    32. [32]
      Tutorials in clinical research, part VIII: Creating a journal club. — Forsen JW, Hartman JM, Neely JG The Laryngoscope (2003)
    33. [33]
      The history of the microscope for use in ear surgery. — Mudry A The American journal of otology (2000)
    34. [34]
      Students' ratings of otolaryngology clerkship activities: the role of residents. — Ashikawa H, Xu G, Veloski JJ Medical teacher (1992)
    35. [35]
      Otolaryngology residency selection process. Medical student perspective. — Stringer SP, Cassisi NJ, Slattery WH Archives of otolaryngology--head & neck surgery (1992)
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