Pathophysiological mechanisms of negative pressure in the middle ear cavity induced by eustahian tube dysfunction

Abstract

The article describes the pathophysiological mechanisms of negative pressure in the middle ear cavity due to persistent auditory tube dysfunction; we also demonstrated the compensatory mechanisms opposing at initial stages to the increase of negative pressure in the middle ear, where the main role is played by the mucosa of the retro-tympanic parts. In all cases of negative tympanic cavity pressure the base of stapes gets pulled towards the vestibular window and the secondary round window membrane protrudes into the tympanic cavity; the article explains the theoretical basis of these processes.