Balloon Dilation of the Eustachian Tube Is Indeed a “Gizmo” Until Future Research Proves Safety and Efficacy

Abstract

In the April 2014 issue of this journal, Richard M. Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, wrote an editorial in which he recommends distinguishing “fanciful gizmos from truly useful technology,” provides 5 criteria to evaluate a gizmo, and includes as one of the current ones balloons to “open clogged ears.” The implication is that balloon dilation for suspected eustachian tube dysfunction–middle ear disease is an unproven procedure. Coincidentally, on April 1, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded an Exploratory/Development grant to the University of Pittsburgh to evaluate this new treatment, which affirms that the NIH agrees that this procedure is of uncertain efficacy.