Wednesday, June 16, 2010

THE ABNORMALLY PATENT EUSTACHIAN TUBE

Abnormal patency of the eustachian tube is a condition occurring primarily in adults, in which the eustachian tube remains “open” for a prolonged period. This abnormality may produce many distressing symptoms such as ear fullness and blockage, a hollow feeling in the ear, hearing one’s own breathing and voice reverberation in the ear.

It does not produce a hearing impairment although most patients will feel that they cannot hear as well in that ear.The exact cause of an abnormally patent eustachian tube is often difficult to determine. At times it develops following a loss in weight or may develop during pregnancy. It may also occur while taking oral contraceptives or other hormones.

Treatment of this harmless condition is often difficult. Medical or surgical treatment is often directed towards causing mechanical obstruction of the eustachian tube or creating a less functional eustachian tube.

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