Chronic otitis media

Researchers test a surgical technique that uses a boomerang-shaped piece of the patient's own cartilage and tissue to repair hard-to-close eardrum perforations. The study includes 50 adults with anterior or subtotal perforations that have been dry for at least three months. Surge…

This trial tests a device called EarFlo, which delivers a small puff of air through the nose during swallowing to help open the Eustachian tube and equalize pressure in the middle ear. It is designed for adults with Eustachian tube dysfunction or fluid buildup in the ear (otitis …

This study compares two types of cartilage grafts used to repair eardrum holes in adults. One graft is thin (0.5 mm) and the other is thick (1.8 mm). The goal is to see which one leads to better healing and hearing after six months. Thirty adults with long-standing eardrum perfor…

This study tests a new laser otoscope to see if it helps doctors find fluid behind the eardrum in children. About 150 kids already scheduled for ear tube surgery will get both a laser and a standard white-light ear exam. The results will be compared to what the surgeon finds duri…

This study tests whether a gamified training program for doctors, plus an AI tool that analyzes ear drum images, can improve the accuracy of diagnosing ear infections (otitis media). About 200 patients with ear symptoms will be seen by doctors who either received the training or …

This study tests whether a smartphone algorithm (Glimpse) can accurately diagnose ear infections in children aged 6 months to 6 years. Parents and doctors will take videos of the child's ear, and the AI's diagnosis will be compared to that of an ear specialist. The goal is to see…

This study tests whether a steroid nasal spray can prevent fluid buildup in the middle ear, a common side effect of radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer. About 168 adults who are about to start radiation will use either the spray or a placebo for 12 months. The goal is to …

This study tests whether osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) — a gentle, hands-on therapy — can reduce the need for ear tube surgery in children with chronic or recurrent ear infections. Two hundred children aged 6 months to 7 years will receive either OMT or a placebo manua…

This study tests whether the drug aprepitant can reduce nausea and vomiting after ear surgery. About 100 adults having middle ear procedures will be randomly assigned to receive the drug or a placebo. The goal is to see if it improves recovery comfort.