“EFFECT OF ANTERIOR NASAL PACKING ON MIDDLE EAR FUNCTION AND HEARING: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY”

IntroductionThe Eustachian tube provides an anatomic communication between the middle ear and nasopharynx, and maintains pressure equality across the tympanic membrane. ObjectiveTo see the effect of anterior nasal packing on Otological symptoms, middle ear pressure and hearing Materials and methodThis prospective study was carried out during period of September 2018 till August 2019. 100 ears were taken in the study. Middle ear pressure and hearing threshold were evaluated by Tympanometry and Audiometry respectively. ResultsPostoperatively two days after anterior nasal packing, there was increase in no. of patient ears with ear fullness, ear ache, tinnitus, hearing threshold and abnormal negative middle ear pressure. After removal of nasal packing up to twelve weeks, improvement in middle ear pressure and hearing threshold was seen. ConclusionAnterior nasal packing causes decrease in middle ear pressure and increase in hearing threshold. Key wordsEustachian tube, Middle ear pressure, Hearing threshold