Otovent: Ear Pressure Relief for Adults & Children
At our Liverpool Hearing Centre, we expanded our treatment toolkit to include Otovent for managing ear blockages back in 2019. Initially, as we were new to using Otovent, we reached out to our peers within the hearing care industry for insights. The feedback was so positive that it convinced us to not only carry Otovent in our store but also, at the time, to become the exclusive supplier for independent hearing centres. Since then, it has become a standard product offered to patients with middle ear blockages, such as glue ear, by most ear care professionals.
Microsuction has become a crucial part of our overall services. Like many other hearing clinics, we often need to address cases of ear blockages that are not related to wax. Often, these issues are linked to the middle ear, frequently stemming from a cold. To diagnose these, we typically perform pure tone audiometry (PTA) and tympanometry to pinpoint the issue.
Before the integration of Otovent, our approach was to refer patients back to their GP with a detailed written note and a photograph to explain their condition. While we continue to do this, we now also recommend an Otovent pack. We initially offered Otovent free of charge but we now charge for it along with the consultation.
What is Otovent?
Drug-free and non-surgical, Otovent is an autoinflation device. The balloons included in the kit are specially pressurised to open the eustachian tube when inflated via the nose. This process allows the fluid associated with glue ear to safely drain away. Referring to clinical trials conducted on children diagnosed with glue ear, NICE recommend that auto-inflation is tried during the watch and wait period before seeing an ENT.
Why you should recommend Otovent
50% of all adult glue ear cases will clear on their own without any treatment. However, the wait for this can be very frustrating and the desire for treatment is of course made especially urgent if the patient's work and social life are suffering. Otovent is the only clinically effective drug-free treatment for Glue Ear and allows you to offer some hope that they might be able to speed up their recovery. You may even help them avoid grommet surgery and did you know that grommets will typically stay in for 6 – 12 months, but in around 1/3 of cases they fall out before the glue ear is resolved?
How to use Otovent
Below is a video recommended by a colleague who has been using Otovent successfully for some time.
When patients visit a hearing centre to help relieve them of a blocked ear, they expect to make some progress. If we can't help them then they will leave disappointed even if we've sent them in the right direction. However, if we can give them something at that same appointment that will likely speed up their recovery, then they'll leave happy, hopeful and feel like they got value from their time with you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Otovent
What is Otovent and how does it work?
Otovent is a non-surgical, drug-free device designed for the relief of symptoms related to negative ear pressure and fluid buildup in the middle ear, common in conditions like otitis media with effusion (OME). It employs autoinflation, where blowing into a balloon through a nasal piece helps equalise the middle ear pressure and clear fluid.
Who can use Otovent?
Otovent is suitable for both adults and children diagnosed with glue ear or experiencing negative ear pressure problems. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised before starting treatment.
How often should Otovent be used?
It is generally recommended to use Otovent three to four times daily, with each session consisting of blowing up the balloon two to three times. However, specific usage should be directed by a healthcare provider.
Are there any side effects associated with using Otovent?
Otovent is safe for most users and does not usually cause significant side effects. Some may experience minor discomfort or pressure during use, which should quickly subside.
Can Otovent prevent the need for grommets in children?
Regular use of Otovent can potentially reduce the need for tympanostomy tubes in children by improving middle ear conditions. However, it's essential to consult a pediatrician or ENT specialist for the best course of action. Otovent is the non-invasive method you should try prior to, but not necessarily instead of, drugs and or surgery.
