Evaluation of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Case Control Study

Introduction: Oral Sub mucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, progressive, irreversible, insidious disease of oral mucosa that occurs due to areca-nut chewing, consumption of chillies, genetic predisposition and autoimmunity. It is a potentially malignant lesion and can transform into oral carcinoma. The disease starts with burning sensation with gradual reduction in mouth opening due to fibrosis of the oral mucosa. It mainly effects oral cavity which includes buccal mucosa, tongue, lips, soft palate but may also extend to pharynx, oesophagus and even to larynx The extension of fibrosis into the nasopharynx leads to reduction in hearing efficiency. Aim-To evaluate the effect of oral sub mucous fibrosis on the Eustachian tube function and its correlation with various grades of OSMF and control group. Materials and methods- This was a case-control study with total of 45 patients (90 ears), which included 15 stage IV OSMF (30 ears), 15 stage III OSMF (30 ears) and 15 normal controls. Results: on audiometry ,83.3% in control group showed no loss hearing impairment 66.6% ,53.3% in stage III and IV OSMF respectively, mild loss was higher in both stages of OSMF and least in control group, moderate loss hearing impairment was higher in stage IV, less in stage III absent in control group. on tympanometry type A pattern was noticed in 17 ears in stage IV OSMF,16 and 30 in stage III OSMF and control group respectively, Type b pattern in stage IV and III was 9and 11 respectively and absent in control group. Type C pattern found IV and III was 4and 3 respectively and absent in control group. Eustachian tube dysfunction in stage IV and III was 70% and 46.6% respectively and absent in control group. Conclusion: From this study, it is observed that the subjective functions of Eustachian tube were affected by disease process.