Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide, yet its diagnosis remains challenging due to the lack of a universally accepted gold-standard test. The ETDQ-7, a self-reported questionnaire, has been widely used to assess ETD symptoms and quality of life. This comparative study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the ETDQ-7 in ETD and assess its suitability for adoption in resource-constrained settings.
A comprehensive analysis of existing studies was conducted to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the ETDQ-7 with tympanometry, a widely used gold-standard test for ETD diagnosis. The results of this study show that the ETDQ-7 has a moderate diagnostic accuracy, with sensitivity and specificity values ranging from 0.75 to 0.95. The study highlights the importance of considering the specific context and characteristics of each study when interpreting the results.
The findings of this study have implications for the development of diagnostic guidelines and the improvement of middle ear health in underserved populations. The ETDQ-7 was found to be a reliable and valid tool for diagnosing ETD in resource-constrained settings, but its diagnostic accuracy should be considered in the context of the specific study population and methodology used.
