Assessment of Eustachian Tube Function and Hearing Status in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Middle ear function is altered by OSMF because it results in fibrotic alterations in the paratubal muscles. Restricted mouth opening also interferes with the proper functioning of the Eustachian tube. A hospital‐based Descriptive Cross‐Sectional study was carried out at a Tertiary Care Hospital from June 1, 2022 to January 30, 2024 after
approval from Institutional Ethics Committee. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of oral submucous fibrosis, regardless of age or gender, who visit the ENT outpatient department and are willing to take part in the study were included. A total of 60 subjects (120 ears) were included in the study. Age range of study subjects was 18‐60 years with a mean age of
33.25 ± 16.2 years. Majority of patients were in 3rd and 4th decade of life (70%) and Male: Female ratio was 4.45:1. Burning sensation in mouth (86.01%) was the most common complaint followed by reduced mouth opening (42.92%) and ulcers in mouth (21.97%). Eustachian tube function is impaired in advanced stages of oral submucous fibrosis due to
involvement of paratubal musculature. This has clinical implications in hearing assessment of these patients, hence mandating a routine otoscopic and audiological examination in these patients.
approval from Institutional Ethics Committee. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of oral submucous fibrosis, regardless of age or gender, who visit the ENT outpatient department and are willing to take part in the study were included. A total of 60 subjects (120 ears) were included in the study. Age range of study subjects was 18‐60 years with a mean age of
33.25 ± 16.2 years. Majority of patients were in 3rd and 4th decade of life (70%) and Male: Female ratio was 4.45:1. Burning sensation in mouth (86.01%) was the most common complaint followed by reduced mouth opening (42.92%) and ulcers in mouth (21.97%). Eustachian tube function is impaired in advanced stages of oral submucous fibrosis due to
involvement of paratubal musculature. This has clinical implications in hearing assessment of these patients, hence mandating a routine otoscopic and audiological examination in these patients.