Middle ear effects secondary to nasogastric intubation.

A study was conducted of the status of the middle ear in neurologically impaired patients requiring extended nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding. Ninety percent of the study patients with NGTs demonstrated abnormal middle ear function via immittance testing; whereas, 8.5% and 0% of the clinical and normal control samples, respectively, had abnormal findings. These results support the need to conscientiously observe the middle ear status of patients requiring long-term NGT feedings. A plan for monitoring middle ear function in these patients is suggested.