Association Between Nasal Septal Deviation Types and Eustachian Tube Function: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to objectively and subjectively evaluate the effect of nasal septal deviation (NSD) types, classified according to the Baumann system, on Eustachian tube function. METHODS: A total of 107 NSD patients (78 males, 29 females; mean age: 35.39 ± 9.55 years) were included. NSD was categorized into 6 types based on the Baumann classification. All patients completed the NOSE (Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation) scale and ETDQ-7 (Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire). Eustachian tube function was evaluated using the ETF-1 (Eustachian Tube Function-1) test, and correlations with NSD types were evaluated. RESULTS: Advanced deviation types (Types 5 and 6) were associated with higher NOSE and ETDQ-7 scores and significantly reduced tympanometric pressure responses during both Toynbee and Valsalva maneuvers. Type 6 exhibited the highest ETDQ-7 scores and the lowest Pmax-Pmin values. CONCLUSION: Advanced nasal septal deviation was associated with worse subjective and objective measures of Eustachian tube function. These findings may be relevant during preoperative assessment of patients with advanced septal deviation.