Association between Adenoid-Nasopharyngeal Ratio and Tympanogram Width in Adenoid Hypertrophy Patients

Abstract

Introduction Adenoid hypertrophy is a change in adenoid size that can lead to obstruction the Eustachian tube and become a risk factor for otitis media effusion (OME) in children. Standard objective examination of adenoid hypertrophy uses adenoid-nasopharyngeal ratio (A-N ratio) based on correct lateral skull radiography. Adenoid hypertrophy is one of the factors causing OME in children. There is still much debate about the association between A-N ratio and tympanogram width (Tw). Determining the association of A-N ratio and Tw in adenoid hypertrophy patients. Methods Participants performed a true lateral radiographic examination using Fujioka method to determine A-N ratio, and Tw to determine middle-ear pressure. The distance between examination of A-N ratio and tympanogram examination was at maximum of ~1 week. The association between A-N ratio and Tw in patients with adenoid hypertrophy used the Pearson correlation test. This research employed significance level p < 0.05. Results Most participants were aged between 6 and 10 years (38.10%), male patients (57.14%), and the symptom most participants complained of was snoring during sleep (38.10%). Most participants had A-N ratio of 0.53 to 0.70 (61.90%) with an average of 0.60 ± 0.05. The average value of Tw measurement was 102.83 ± 50.03 daPa (r = 0.605; p < 0.001). Conclusion There is a significant association between A-N ratio base on true lateral radiographic examination and Tw in adenoid hypertrophy patients.