Balloon Dilation of the Eustachian Tube for Baro-Challenge-Induced Otologic Symptoms in Military Divers and Aviators: A Retrospective Analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of balloon dilation (tuboplasty) of the Eustachian tube (BET) in active duty military personnel working in hyper- and hypobaric environments suffering from baro-challenge-induced ETD using functional outcomes.

Methods: Military divers and aviators diagnosed with persistent baro-challenge-induced ETD resulting in disqualification from performing flight and dive duties and who elected for treatment with BET were included for analysis. Posttreatment follow-up assessments were undertaken at 1, 6, and 12 months.