Silent middle ear dysfunction due to underlying laryngopharyngeal reflux disease: can it be reversed with anti-reflux therapy?

Abstract

Objectives: Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease can affect functioning of Eustachian tube which is responsible for maintenance of normal middle ear physiology. Our study aims to assess the effect of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease on middle ear physiology and whether any functional derangement can be reversed by anti-reflux therapy.

Methods: Patients with both laryngopharyngeal reflux disease and asymptomatic middle ear dysfunction (n = 50) were prescribed anti-reflux therapy and followed up for eight weeks. Audiometric evaluations were done routinely to assess changes.

Results: Post-intervention, 72 per cent of affected ears had improved thresholds with reduction in mean and median over each serial evaluation (p = 0.003). Tympanograms showed reversal to normal in 38 per cent of cases with increasing compliance over each successive visit (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease can result in middle ear dysfunction. Early detection and treatment is crucial for restoration of normalcy and prevention of progression to other complications.