A recent study has shed light on the promising long-term benefits of Middle Ear Pressure Therapy (MEPT) utilizing the EFET01 device in patients diagnosed with Ménière’s disease (MD) and delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH) in Japan. The investigation aimed to evaluate the effects of MEPT over two years in reducing vertigo attacks and improving hearing in individuals with MD and DEH. This study was published in Acta Oto-Laryngologica journal by Do Tram Anh and colleagues.


Conducted retrospectively from December 2018 to April 2021, the study included 32 MD patients and 2 DEH patients who underwent MEPT with the EFET01 device. Patients were assessed based on the Japan Society for Equilibrium Research (JSER) guidelines, tracking the frequency of vertigo attacks and changes in hearing levels for 6 months before treatment initiation up to 18–24 months post-treatment.
The results revealed significant reductions in the frequency of vertigo attacks in both MD and DEH patients following MEPT. Furthermore, the study noted a sustained stability in hearing levels for the majority of patients post-treatment.
The findings underscore the efficacy of MEPT utilizing the EFET01 device in effectively managing vertigo symptoms associated with MD and DEH. The therapy showcased its potential as a safe and beneficial option, especially for patients who had not responded well to conventional medical treatments.
These promising outcomes pave the way for MEPT to be considered as a valuable alternative in the management of MD and DEH, offering hope for individuals who have experienced limited success with traditional therapies. The sustained reduction in vertigo attacks and stability in hearing levels post-treatment emphasize the potential of MEPT to significantly impact the quality of life for these patients over an extended period.
Reference:
Tram Anh, D., Takakura, H., Nakazato, A., Morita, Y., & Shojaku, H. Long-term effects of middle ear pressure therapy with the EFET01 device in patients with Ménière’s disease and delayed endolymphatic hydrops in Japan. Acta Oto-Laryngologica,2023;1–5. https://doi.org/10.1080/00016489.2023.2284336