The Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Middle Ear Pressure

Abstract

Aim of the study: The study investigated the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on middle ear pressure. Methods: Forty-two patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were assigned to the study group. The patients underwent standard tympanometry before starting CPAP therapy and six months after regular CPAP therapy. Results: The average pressure range of the CPAP device (cm H2O) was 4,80 – 13,50. Middle ear pressure (MEP) was between -146,00 and 64,00 daPa before therapy and between -103,00 and 40,00 daPa after treatment. The results showed that the subjects experienced an increase in middle ear pressure after the CPAP therapy. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the appropriate use of CPAP therapy leads to a statistically significant increase in pressure in the middle ear.

Keywords

• osa
• middle ear pressure
• tympanometry
• cpap