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Abstract
Introduction:
The Eustachian tube connects
the middle ear to the back
of the nose. When it doesn’t
function properly, it’s
called Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
(ETD). This can lead to symptoms
like muffled hearing, popping
sounds, and discomfort. Recent
studies in Saudi Arabia found
high ETD prevalence rates
(around 42.49%). ETD can cause
ear issues and impact daily
life. This study aims to evaluate
the prevalence and associated
factors of ETD in the Aseer
region, Saudi Arabia.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional
questionnaire-based study
was conducted among the population
of Aseer region in Saudi Arabia.
Data was collected through
an online self-administered
questionnaire (ETDQ-7). Data
was analyzed using SPSS.
Results:
Only 4% of participants had
a history of Eustachian tube
dysfunction. Hearing loss
was reported by 27.3%, with
23.3% having a family history
of it. Gender-wise, 31.86%
of females and 17.71% of males
had a history of hearing loss,
the difference being statistically
significant (p=0.007). Smoking
exhibited a strong correlation,
with 60.98% of smokers and
22.01% of non-smokers reporting
hearing loss, the difference
being highly significant (p=0.0001).
Ear-related issues were prevalent,
such as severe pain (41%),
underwater sensation (36%),
and cold-related problems
(23%). Additionally, symptoms
like cracking sounds (12%),
ringing (16%), and muffled
hearing (22%) were noted,
sometimes affecting both ears
(29%).
Conclusion:
A significant association
was found between smoking
and hearing loss. Gender and
smoking habits showed significant
correlations with hearing
loss. The low prevalence of
ETD warrants further investigation.
These findings contribute
to the existing body of knowledge
on auditory health and could
inform targeted interventions
for hearing-related issues
in the region.
Keywords:
Eustachian Tube, Dysfunction,
Prevalence, Risk factors,
population, Saudi Arabia
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