Patulous Eustachian tube

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Patulous Eustachian tube
Diagram of the Eustachian tube
Synonyms	PET
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Autophony, ear fullness, hearing loss
Complications	Hearing impairment, tinnitus
Onset	Any age, often in adulthood
Duration	Can be chronic or intermittent
Types	N/A
Causes	Weight loss, pregnancy, neurological disorders
Risks	Dehydration, hormonal changes
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, tympanometry
Differential diagnosis	Eustachian tube dysfunction, otitis media
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Nasal sprays, surgery, hydration
Medication	Nasal decongestants, hormone therapy
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	None directly

The patulous Eustachian tube is a condition where the Eustachian tube remains abnormally open. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including autophony, where individuals hear their own voice or breathing unusually loudly.

Anatomy and Function

The Eustachian tube is a canal that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx, which is the upper part of the throat behind the nose. Its primary function is to equalize the air pressure in the middle ear with the atmospheric pressure, allowing the tympanic membrane to function properly. Normally, the Eustachian tube is closed and opens during activities such as swallowing or yawning.

Pathophysiology

In the case of a patulous Eustachian tube, the tube remains open most of the time. This can be due to a variety of factors, including weight loss, hormonal changes, or neurological conditions. The open tube allows sounds from the nasopharynx to be transmitted to the middle ear, causing the characteristic symptoms of autophony and a sensation of fullness in the ear.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of a patulous Eustachian tube include:

• Autophony
• A sensation of fullness in the ear
• Hearing one's own breathing
• Distorted hearing

These symptoms can vary in intensity and may be influenced by factors such as posture and hydration.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a patulous Eustachian tube is typically based on the patient's history and symptoms. An audiologist or otolaryngologist may perform tests such as tympanometry or nasopharyngoscopy to assess the function of the Eustachian tube.

Treatment

Treatment options for a patulous Eustachian tube may include:

• Hydration and nasal saline sprays to reduce symptoms
• Hormonal therapy in cases related to hormonal changes
• Surgical interventions, such as the insertion of a tympanostomy tube or procedures to narrow the Eustachian tube

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with a patulous Eustachian tube varies. Some may experience spontaneous resolution of symptoms, while others may require ongoing management or surgical intervention.

See also

• Eustachian tube dysfunction
• Middle ear
• Autophony