Treatment and Prevention of Middle Ear Morbidity in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Following Radiotherapy

Middle ear complications and TD are common following RT to the Head & Neck, where the radiation field involves the ET and ME. These are due to mucositis and swelling in the surrounding pharyngeal tissue and on the long-term fibrosis. The ET is a small channel from the middle ear to the upper part of the pharynx. It is normally closed but briefly opens while swallowing or yawning. The ME pressure then equalizes and optimize sound conduction to the inner ear. If the function of the ET is impaired it can lead to negative pressure and effusion. This causes pain, tinnitus, otitis media with effusion (OME), chronic otitis media (COM) and hearing loss. Last can be none reversible. Almost everyone experience middle ear morbidity short after RT, but on the long-term up to 20 % have chronic otitis media and TD with significant hearing impairment and the need for hearing aid. Conventional treatment with insertion of ventilation tubes in to the tympanic membrane is not recommended for radiation-induced ME problems.

Methods and materials: The investigators will by randomized controlled trials examine the effect of auto-inflation of the ET on ME morbidity with a custom-made balloon called Otovent®. Examination of the ear is conducted by otoscopy, pure tone and impedance audiometry and questionnaires.

Inclusion criteria

• Head and neck cancer patients in Zealand region, Capital region and North Jutland region.
• Only patients who received or is going to receive radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy as curative intended treatment.
• The irradiated volume involve the nasopharynx.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with documented history of otitis media with effusion or chronic otitis media that is not related to the cancer diagnosis.
• Performance status > 3.
• Surgery in the middle ear, Eustachian tube and surrounding tissue area. (Biopsies during diagnosis is accepted).