Autophony

Autophony is a medical condition characterized by an unusually loud hearing of one's own voice, breathing, and other internal sounds. This phenomenon can be particularly disturbing and is often associated with certain ear disorders.

Causes

Autophony is commonly caused by conditions that affect the Eustachian tube or the middle ear. Some of the primary causes include:

• Patulous Eustachian tube: A condition where the Eustachian tube remains abnormally open, allowing sounds from the nasal cavity to enter the middle ear.
• Superior canal dehiscence: A rare condition where there is a thinning or absence of part of the bone overlying the superior semicircular canal of the inner ear.
• Middle ear effusion: The presence of fluid in the middle ear can also lead to autophony.
• Tympanic membrane abnormalities: Issues such as a perforated eardrum can contribute to the condition.

Symptoms

Individuals with autophony may experience:

• Hearing their own voice loudly and clearly
• Amplified sounds of breathing, chewing, and other bodily functions
• A sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear
• Possible tinnitus (ringing in the ear)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of autophony typically involves a thorough examination by an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist). Diagnostic methods may include:

• Audiometry: Hearing tests to assess the extent of hearing loss or abnormalities.
• Tympanometry: A test that evaluates the function of the middle ear.
• CT scan: Imaging to check for structural abnormalities such as superior canal dehiscence.

Treatment

Treatment for autophony depends on the underlying cause:

• For patulous Eustachian tube, treatments may include nasal sprays, weight gain, or surgical interventions.
• Superior canal dehiscence may require surgical repair to correct the bone defect.
• Middle ear effusion might be treated with decongestants, nasal steroids, or in some cases, surgical drainage.

Related Pages

• Eustachian tube
• Middle ear
• Tympanic membrane
• Tinnitus
• Otolaryngology