Patulous Eustachian Tube

A Eustachian tube that stays open, causing loud self-hearing

Overview

In patulous Eustachian tube dysfunction the tube connecting the middle ear and the back of the nose stays open instead of remaining mostly closed. The result is autophony, hearing your own voice and breathing unusually loudly in the ear, along with a sense of fullness. Symptoms often ease when lying down or bending forward, as venous congestion closes the tube. Recognized associations include significant weight loss, pregnancy, and hormonal changes. It is frequently mistaken for the opposite problem, a blocked Eustachian tube, which is why careful assessment matters.