Otological manifestations in pregnant women - A study at a tertiary care hospital of eastern India

BACKGROUND: There are several physiological changes found in pregnant women and amongst them, otological changes are quite important. The otological manifestations in pregnant women are mainly due to changes of sex hormones levels, which return to normal in the postpartum period. OBJECTIVE: To report otological manifestations among pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-four pregnant women participated in this prospective study. A questionnaire was administered in all participants for assessing otological manifestations. The pregnant women were in the age range of 22–35 years. They underwent thorough otological and obstetric examinations. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) was done for assessment of hearing loss. RESULTS: The mean age of the pregnant women in this study was 26.23 years. The most common otological manifestation was sensation of ear blockage. Eustachian tube dysfunction was common in the last trimester of pregnancy. Other manifestations included vertigo and tinnitus. CONCLUSION: The alteration of hormonal milieu in pregnant women can lead to several otological manifestations, including eustachian tube dysfunction, hearing impairment, otitis externa, Bell’s palsy, vertigo and tinnitus. Despite these otological manifestations found in pregnant women, yet they are often neglected in clinical practice.