Prevalence of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and Its Associated Factors among the General Public in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

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