Patulous Eustachian Tube

Patulous Eustachian Tube
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Autophony, ear fullness, hearing loss
Complications
Onset
Duration
Types	N/A
Causes	Eustachian tube dysfunction
Risks
Diagnosis	Audiometry, tympanometry
Differential diagnosis	Eustachian tube dysfunction, otitis media
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Surgical intervention, nasal sprays
Medication
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency
Deaths

Patulous Eustachian Tube is a condition characterized by the abnormal patency of the Eustachian tube, which can lead to symptoms such as autophony, where individuals hear their own voice or breathing unusually loudly. This condition can also cause sensations of ear fullness and hearing loss.

Pathophysiology

The Eustachian tube is a canal that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx, which helps to equalize air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane. In a patulous Eustachian tube, the tube remains abnormally open, disrupting normal auditory function and pressure regulation.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of patulous Eustachian tube include:

• Autophony
• Sensation of ear fullness
• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of patulous Eustachian tube is typically made through clinical evaluation and may include:

• Audiometry
• Tympanometry
• Observation of the movement of the tympanic membrane during breathing

Treatment

Treatment options for patulous Eustachian tube may involve:

• Use of nasal sprays to reduce symptoms
• Surgical intervention to correct the patency of the tube
• Lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining hydration

See also

• Eustachian tube dysfunction
• Otitis media

External links

• The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery