Effect of Simethicone on Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2014-07-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
This study is designed to measure the effects of a chewable Simethicone tablet taken by mouth
on middle-ear pressure in adults with a common cold and evidence of abnormal middle-ear
pressure. In children and adults, middle-ear diseases such as otitis media (the buildup of
fluid within the middle ear) and a form of temporary hearing loss occur if the Eustachian
tube does not open, does not open often enough or is always open. Simethicone, available
over-the-counter under several brand names including Gas-X, may help break up the bubbles
that may block the opening of the Eustachian tube in the back of the nose during a cold,
allowing air to pass between the nose and middle ear. This study requires a single visit to
the Middle Ear Physiology Laboratory in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh. If eligible for
the study, Eustachian tube function testing will be done; the Simethicone tablet or placebo
(a tablet that looks and tastes like the Simethicone tablet but has no active ingredient)
will be given and Eustachian tube function testing repeated.