Middle ear disorder

This study tested a new vaccine called V114 in over 7,000 healthy infants to see if it could prevent ear infections caused by certain pneumococcal bacteria. The vaccine was given alongside routine childhood shots. Researchers tracked how many babies got vaccine-type ear infection…

This early-stage trial tested whether a new whole-cell pneumonia vaccine is safe for people. Thirty healthy adults received either the vaccine or a placebo and were monitored for 30 days. The main goal was to check for side effects like pain, fever, or headache. This study does n…

This study tests whether giving a probiotic (Saccharomyces boulardii) along with a common antibiotic can protect the gut bacteria of children aged 4 to 12 being treated for ear or sinus infections. The goal is to see if it reduces antibiotic-associated diarrhea and limits the spr…

This early-phase trial tested a special insulin gel applied directly to the ear drum after surgery to repair a long-standing hole. Fifty adults with dry ear drum perforations received either the insulin gel or a plain foam control. The insulin group showed significantly better he…

This trial tests whether training and employing local community members as ear health facilitators can improve ear care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the Northern Territory. The facilitators would help with ear assessments and management of otitis media, a…

This trial tests whether a daily supplement containing omega-3s, Spirulina, magnesium, and vitamin B6 can help adults with persistent middle ear fluid — a condition that can cause hearing loss and ear fullness. Over 500 adults aged 18 to 70 with confirmed otitis media with effusi…

This study tested whether using a patient's own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) during eardrum repair surgery improves healing. 48 adults with chronic ear infections and eardrum holes were split into two groups: one got PRP-soaked sponges placed in the ear during surgery, the other go…

This study tested whether dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) ear drops can unclog tympanostomy tubes in children better than standard ofloxacin drops. 41 children aged 1 to 18 with clogged tubes received either treatment for 7 days. The main goal was to see if the tube was open at day 14.

This study compared two ways of preparing a tissue graft (temporalis fascia) for repairing holes in the eardrum caused by chronic ear infections. 92 adults aged 18–60 received either a wet or dry graft during tympanoplasty surgery. Researchers checked hearing improvement and graf…

This study compares two surgical techniques for repairing large eardrum holes caused by chronic ear infections. The interlay method places the graft between eardrum layers, while the underlay method places it beneath. Researchers measured hearing improvement in 60 adults to see w…

This study tested a low-cost, smartphone-connected device that checks middle ear health. Researchers compared it to standard equipment in 30 adults and children. The goal is to make ear screening affordable and easy for rural communities, reducing preventable hearing loss.

This study tested a balloon catheter to open blocked Eustachian tubes in 31 adults. The device is inserted into the tube and inflated to widen it. Researchers measured changes in ear symptoms over 14 months to see if the procedure provides lasting relief.

This study tested whether changing how fast pressure increases during hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can lower the chance of ear pain and injury. Over 1,500 people receiving HBOT were randomly assigned to one of two compression schedules. The goal was to see if a non-linear (sl…

This study tested whether laser acupuncture, a painless procedure using low-level laser light on specific points, can improve middle ear function in children aged 2-10 with otitis media with effusion (fluid behind the eardrum). Thirty-two children received either real or sham las…

This study tested whether a device called AirOFit PRO, which guides children through blowing exercises, can help clear fluid behind the eardrum. Fifty-one children with otitis media with effusion (OME) used the device three times daily. The goal was to see if the exercises improv…

This study tested a device called SinuSonic that combines sound vibrations with gentle pressure to help people with Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and facial pain. Thirty adults used the device twice a day for six weeks. Researchers measured changes in symptoms like ear pressu…

This study looked at whether placing small tubes in the ears of children aged 1-4 with chronic ear fluid (otitis media with effusion) improves their sleep and quality of life. Sixty children were randomly assigned to either receive ear tubes or not. Sleep was measured with a wris…

This study tested two drugs used to reverse muscle relaxants after surgery: sugammadex and a combination of neostigmine and glycopyrrolate. The goal was to see which one better prevents urinary retention in 124 patients having ear, nose, or throat surgery who were at high risk du…

This study tested whether a low dose of tranexamic acid, a drug that helps blood clot, could reduce bleeding during middle ear surgery. 100 adults undergoing microscopic or endoscopic ear surgery received either the drug or a placebo. The goal was to see if the drug improved the …

This study looks at children aged 8 to 18 having surgery to repair a hole in the eardrum, a procedure called type 1 tympanoplasty. Researchers want to know if the size of the mastoid and middle ear spaces affects how well the surgery works. They will compare two graft materials, …

This study observes people in Belgium with non-invasive pneumococcal infections like pneumonia, ear infections, and sinusitis. Researchers will collect bacterial samples to see which strains are circulating and how they compare to invasive infections. The goal is to understand ho…

This study looks back at 12 years of cholesteatoma surgeries at a French hospital to see how the shift to exclusive endoscopic ear surgery (EES) has affected outcomes. Researchers are comparing rates of residual disease, recurrence, and hearing improvement between patients treate…

This study looked at whether giving doctors education and feedback, a special digital otoscope, or both could help them avoid prescribing antibiotics for ear infections that don't need them. Forty pediatric clinicians who often prescribed antibiotics for ear infections were split…

This study looked for hidden immune system problems in adults who get frequent or severe bacterial infections, like pneumonia or meningitis. Researchers screened 120 adults aged 18-65 to see how many had an undiagnosed primary immunodeficiency. The goal was to find out if these c…

This study tested a program to help doctors prescribe antibiotics more appropriately for common childhood infections like earaches, sore throats, and sinusitis. Over 1,000 doctors took part, receiving online training, personalized feedback on their prescribing habits, and support…

This study checked whether hot air balloon pilots, who are exposed to burner noise and air pressure changes, have more hearing, eustachian tube, or balance problems than other adults. About 105 pilots and non-pilots took part in safe, non-invasive hearing and balance tests. The g…

This study tested whether giving doctors automated reports on their antibiotic prescribing habits could improve how often they follow official guidelines. Researchers looked at over 26,000 patients with pneumonia, ear infections, or sore throat. They compared antibiotic use befor…