This is the main receiving station of the pathway originating from the auditory nuclei in the brainstem. It is the primary place where sound identication and local­ization information is collected. It is organized tonotopically, and the frequency mapping of bers with the same characteristic frequency, but from different nuclei in the same tonotopic order, is managed here in the auditory pathway. Although the medial geniculate is the obligatory transition zone for all auditory inputs entering the body, the projection of some neurons may bypass the inferior colliculus. Inhibition of inferior colliculus cells ensures sustained responses to complex signals over a wide range of stimulus intensities. This inhibition reduces transmembrane resistance, increases temporal accuracy in rapid temporal uctuations, and may pro­vide frequency selectivity [9, 61–64].

Using transnasal video endoscopy in a sample of 33 adults, Alper etal. found that individuals with a history of middle ear disease but otherwise healthy middle ears had less soft palate elevation during swallowing. This correlates with a wider ET orice and rotation of the medial lamina, suggesting impaired ET function and an increased risk of otitis media [5, 13].

Recent research has shown that for every pediatric clinic visit for ET dysfunction, there are 0.77 adult visits, indicating that the prevalence is higher in children than in adults. As one of the known consequences of ET dysfunction, OME affects nearly 90% of children before they enter school [14]. ET dysfunction is diagnosed in approximately 1% of adults. Men are typically diagnosed before the age of 20, while women tend to be diagnosed later in life. To date, there is no evidence of a statistically signicant seasonal variation [15].