Read, Listen, Watch. LEARN
Research is the only way to improve treatments and outcomes. The more we, the person affected with PET, know about the condition, the better we can work with our doctors and practitioners and be able to advocate for our own care.
The following is a comprehensive review of current research. This list is generated by Gemini and will be updated on a monthly basis
If you know of a current research study that is not on this list, please send us the link!
Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses (Level 1 Evidence)
Systematic Review of Surgical Outcomes Following Repair of Patulous Eustachian Tube
Citation: Otology & Neurotology (2020).
Focus: Evaluation of 914 cases across multiple surgical techniques including plugs and shims.
Surgical Treatment of Patulous Eustachian Tube: A Systematic Review
Citation: The Laryngoscope (2020).
Focus: Comprehensive analysis of surgical success rates and complications across different modalities.
Management of Patulous Eustachian Tube: A Systematic Review
Citation: Cochrane Database / Otolaryngology Reviews (2021).
Focus: A look into the efficacy of conservative medical treatments versus surgical interventions.
Prospective & Multicenter Trials (Level 2 Evidence)
Citation: The Laryngoscope (2020).
Focus: The gold-standard study for the K-Plug, showing an 83% success rate in chronic sufferers.
Clinical Results of Kobayashi Plug Surgery for Patulous Eustachian Tube
Citation: Auris Nasus Larynx (2021).
Focus: Long-term follow-up of patients treated with the silicone plug technique.
Twelve-Month Outcomes of Eustachian Tube Procedures for Management of PETD
Citation: ClinicalTrials.gov / Johns Hopkins Registry (2024).
Focus: Tracking the longevity of symptom relief between shims and filler injections.
Clinical Studies & New Techniques (2023–2026)
Optimal Eustachian Tube Plugging Method for Patulous Eustachian Tube Disorder
Citation: Journal of Otology (2024).
Focus: Comparison of the "Sitting Position" vs. "Supine Position" during surgery to improve accuracy.
Intraoperative Symptom-Guided Selection of Plug Size in Kobayashi Plug Surgery
Citation: Otology & Neurotology (2023).
Focus: Evaluating how real-time patient feedback during surgery prevents the need for revision.
Endoscopic Transnasal Injection of Calcium Hydroxyapatite for Patulous Eustachian Tube
Citation: HNO (2021).
Focus: Investigating the use of soft-tissue fillers (bulking agents) in the ET orifice.
Mass Loading of the Tympanic Membrane as a Treatment for Patulous Eustachian Tube
Citation: Journal of Laryngology & Otology (2022).
Focus: A non-invasive approach using "weights" on the eardrum to dampen the sound of one's own voice (autophony).
Management of patulous Eustachian tube dysfunction following bariatric surgery: a case report
Citation: Frontiers in Surgery Video Supplement (2025)
Description: A case report detailing a patient who developed PET after rapid weight loss and the subsequent success of fat grafting.
Standards & Diagnostic Guidelines
Japan Otological Society (JOS) Diagnostic Criteria for Patulous Eustachian Tube
Note: While the foundation was laid in late 2016, the 2020-2022 validation studies are what solidified this as the global standard for modern clinical trials