Clearance by the mucociliary system in ‘simple chronic otitis media’

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Abstract
The rate of middle ear clearance in chronic otitis media and atelectatic ears was studied. The clearance rate was measured with the aid of non-soluble saccharin, introduced into the middle ear through an existing perforation in ''chronic ears'', or through a ventilating tube in atelectatic ears. Cholesteatomatous ears were excluded. Altogether 122 ears were examined and about 2/3 of the subjects felt the sweet taste in their mouths thereafter. The average time for saccharin transport from the middle ear to the taste buds was 33 min 22 s in non-infected, (i.e., dry) chronic ears (38 patients or 66%). Wet or infected ears with chronic otitis media (30 patients or 58%) showed a slower transport rate, averaging 54 min 22 s. The difference was significant at the 0.01 level. Of the atelectatic ears 8 (63%) transported the saccharin at an average rate of 50 min 25 s. Most ears with simple chronic otitis media and atelectatic ears apparently have a patent eustachian tube and their mucociliary system can transport foreign particles through it. When the ear is infected, transport tends to be slowed down.

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