Tympanic membrane retraction commercially available devices (e.g. Otovent and Ear Popper). A ventilation tube, also known as a tympanostomy tube or a grommet, may be placed through the eardrum to equalize middle ear pressure. Although this intervention may be effective, research has not yet shown whether it provides better results than simple observation. Further weakness or perforation of the eardrum may occur. These are intended to improve Eustachian tube function. Adenoidectomy can improve middle ear function and nasal steroid sprays can reduce adenoid size but it is not known whether these treatments alter tympanic membrane retraction. Enlargement of the Eustachian tube opening in
Membrane technology utilized for gas separations (removal of CO from natural gas, separating N from air, organic vapor removal from air or a nitrogen stream) and sometimes in membrane distillation. The later process helps in the separation of azeotropic compositions reducing the costs of distillation processes. The pore sizes of technical membranes are specified differently depending on the manufacturer. One common distinction is by "nominal pore size". It describes the maximum pore size distribution and gives only vague information about the retention capacity of a membrane. The exclusion limit or "cut-off" of the membrane is usually specified in the form of "NMWC"