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Why a one kilogram change in weight may change your hearing? Uncover the secret of Eustachian tube function!
Have you ever noticed how small changes in weight can affect your hearing? This is not a nonsense. According to the latest research, the function of the Eustachian tube is closely related to body weight.
The role of Eustachian tube
The Eustachian tube is a tube that connects the middle ear and the throat. It is mainly responsible for balancing the air pressure inside and outside the ear. Normally, the Eustachian tube is closed, but it opens temporarily during behaviors such as swallowing and yawning to maintain the balance of ear pressure. If the Eustachian tube malfunctions, it may cause hearing problems.
Weight changes and Eustachian tube function
When a person loses weight, the fat tissue around the Eustachian tube decreases, causing the tube to be unable to close effectively, causing Eustachian tube dysfunction, which in turn affects hearing.
Research shows that approximately one-third of cases of Eustachian tube dysfunction are associated with weight changes, particularly weight loss. By reducing fat tissue, the Eustachian tube's ability to close is reduced, resulting in the ability to hear one's own sounds, a phenomenon known as autophony.
Symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction
Common symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction include self-hearing, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and blurred hearing. Patients may experience ear discomfort such as pressure or dryness in some cases. Because the opening and closing of the Eustachian tube affects the clarity of hearing, patients often find it difficult to concentrate on external sounds.
Potential other reasons
In addition to weight changes, Eustachian tube dysfunction may be related to dehydration, high estrogen levels, and long-term use of nasal decongestants.
In addition, certain physiological conditions, such as pregnancy, may also affect the normal operation of the Eustachian tube. Although many potential causes have not been studied in depth, these factors may cause the Eustachian tube to fail to close properly, thereby affecting hearing.
Correct diagnosis and treatment
During the examination, the doctor can directly observe the eardrum through light and find that it vibrates with each inhalation during breathing. This condition indicates abnormal function of the Eustachian tube. With the discovery of Eustachian tube dysfunction, a nasal audition or other hearing evaluation is often required to confirm the diagnosis.
Although Eustachian tube dysfunction is relatively rare, it is often misdiagnosed as common ear congestion, leading to patients receiving unnecessary decongestant treatments that worsen symptoms.
Possible treatments
Current treatments range from medications to surgery. Certain nasal medications, such as estrogen-containing drops, have been shown to help reduce abnormalities in the Eustachian tube. And in some cases, even surgical intervention is an option, such as eardrum drainage. We may consider the long-term effects of these treatments and whether they can effectively improve patients' quality of life.
Conclusion
Small changes in body weight can have significant effects on the Eustachian tubes and hearing, and understanding this is critical to our health awareness. Have you ever experienced hearing discomfort due to weight changes?
