Abstract
Detailed analysis of relationship between the eustachian tube function and either nasal airway pressure or flow rate has been no published. We recently analyzed these relationshipes. The subjects of this study were 50 normal elderly individuals, examined in total. Their eustachian tube function was analyzed in relation to their nasal function. The following results were obtained. 1. Rhinomanometry revealed increasing aberration in the nasal air flow of aged 65 to 69 and aged 70 to 74. Aberrations observed include increased, irregular, flat, and suppressed. Thus, nasal breathing becomes slightly ubstable as reach advanced ages. 2. Analysis of the nasal air flow pattern in relation to eustachian tube function yielded the following findings: i. Suppressed nasal air flow was often seen in subjects with an open type eustachian tube who were older than 65. ii. Individuals with a stenosed eustachian tube who were in their 70s often showed irregular or increased nasal breathing. iii. Suppressed nasal breathing seems to be related to an open type eustachian tube. These findings seem to tpnrp. ant the effect of aging.
