The Acute Loss of Weight in Eustachian Tube Function

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the frequency and intensity of auditory tube dysfunction related to obese patients before and after bariatric surgery.MethodNineteen patients with a formal indication for bariatric surgery underwent surgery prior to a hearing evaluation (otoscopy, tonal and vocal audiometry, and impedanciometry) and a questionnaire on hearing; and in 3 and 6 months after surgery. Patients with disease or a history of ear surgery were excluded.ResultsWe found that 5 (26.3%) patients showed symptoms related to dysfunction of the Eustachian tube at the first postoperative evaluation. After 6 months of follow‐up, 9 (47.3%) patients presented symptoms of tubal dysfunction.ConclusionThis study suggests that bariatric surgery can cause symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction, probably due to rapid weight loss and the consequent loss of peritubal fat.