Toynbee Revisited: Eustachian Tubal Sonograph

Abstract

The eustachian tubal sonograph (ETS) is a modern electronic version of the Toynbee tube. It functions in two ways. It amplifies the sound of ingress of air into the middle ear when the subject swallows; thus the clinician is able to better assess the function of the eustachian tube. It also permanently records the pressure level and duration of the sound of air entering the tympanic cavity during deglutition. Hence the ETS represents an excellent test of eustachian tubal function.

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