Evaluation of rapid maxillary expansion or alternating rapid maxillary expansion and constriction on Eustachian tube function with audiological tests: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Maxillary expansion improves the hearing function. This trial aimed to examine the effects of Eustachian tube function (ETF) with audiological tests in orthodontic patients who underwent rapid maxillary expansion (RME) or alternate rapid maxillary expansion and constriction (Alt-RAMEC) treatment. METHODS: Forty individuals (mean age = 13.35 years) included in the trial had a healthy eardrum, no history of orthodontic treatment, maxillary constriction, mandibular constriction and were not affected by acute or chronic otitis. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups (n = 20 each): the RME protocol or the Alt-RAMEC protocol. ETF was evaluated using Williams' test at three time points: before expansion (T0), after expansion (T1), and in the 3rd month of retention (T2). RESULTS: In the RME group, Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) was observed in 18 of 40 ears before expansion (T0). The RME group showed significant improvement in tube function in the 3rd month of retention (T2) (p = 0.003). In the Alt-RAMEC group, ETD was observed in 22 of the 40 ears at baseline (T0). Significant improvements in tubal function were observed in the Alt-RAMEC group after expansion (T1) (p = 0.008) and in the 3rd month of retention (T2) (p < 0.001). In the RME group, 17 of 18 ears recovered, while in the Alt-RAMEC group, 21 of 22 ears recovered. CONCLUSION: Eustachian tube function improved in the RME and Alt-RAMEC groups compared to the pre-expansion period. REGISTRATION: This trial was not registered.