Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Improvement Secondary to Moderate Weight Loss: Case Report

Cureus. 2022 Apr 28;14(4):e24554. doi: 10.7759/cureus.24554. eCollection 2022 Apr.

Abstract

The Eustachian tube (ET) is an osteocartilaginous canal that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. It is one of the critical structures essential for middle ear functions. ET dysfunction causes discomfort in the affected ear and decreased hearing. This is the first case report of improving hearing and middle ear aeration and ET function secondary to body weight reduction. A 27-year-old male patient presented to the otology clinic complaining of decreased hearing for two years. Initial ear examination revealed retraction of TM on the left ear with two retraction pockets, and on the right ear, the TM was dull with one retraction pocket. The patient reported losing some of his body weight during those six months. Ear examination revealed improvement in the TM retraction in both ears. The improvement in hearing was evidenced by a serial audiogram, while the middle ear aeration was evidenced by clinical examination.

Keywords: eustachian tube dysfunction; eustachian tube dysfunction improvement; eustachian tube function; moderate weight loss; secondary to moderate weight loss.

Publication types

  • Case Reports