For the treatment of low pressure/partial vacuum in the middle ear of children aged three and upwards and adults. The Otovent® method, which is established in some 20 countries, is an effective, non-surgical alternative to tube insertion. The documentation demonstrates the effectiveness of the method in both children and adults.

Characteristics

The Otovent® method is a modern development of Valsalva/Politzer and has the following positive characteristics.

Two-way function

Both the passive inflation phase and the active deflation phase enable the opening of the Eustachian tube. The inflation phase is the phase in which the balloon is inflated via one nostril. The deflation phase is the phase in which the air flows out of the balloon and into the nostril.

It should be noted that, in 70% of cases, a good treatment result is obtained after the inflation phase, so always try using only the inflation phase to begin with. If the pressure in the child’s ear is not equalised by the inflation phase, use both the inflation phase and the deflation phase.

Control function

Most children like blowing up balloons. The playful aspect of the Otovent® method helps the child to accept the treatment. During inflation via the nose using the tested medical balloon, therapeutic pressure is created. In other words, it is easy for parents to check whether the child has performed the treatment correctly.

Self-treatment

Older children who have learned to use the method are able to both perform and check the Otovent®treatment themselves. Negative effects have not been demonstrated in clinical studies, nor reported from any of the 20 countries in which children and adults are currently being treated with the Otovent®method. Used in the right way, the Otovent® method offers effective help to children with secretory otitis media/otitis media with effusion (SOM/OME). Fifty per cent of children aged three and upwards experience a normalisation or a lower partial vacuum in their middle ear.