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Eustachian tube dysfunction after using different types of masks during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 January 2024
Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the use of different types of masks (N95/filtering facepiece type 2, surgical) and Eustachian tube dysfunction in healthcare workers.
Methods
The study included 37 healthcare workers using N95/filtering facepiece type 2 masks and 35 using surgical masks for at least 6 hours per day, and 42 volunteers who are not healthcare workers using surgical masks for less than 6 hours per day. Participants’ demographic features, clinical data and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire scores were compared.
Results
The frequencies of autophony and aural fullness were significantly higher in the healthcare workers using N95/filtering facepiece type 2 masks. Autophony and aural fullness were significantly greater in the post-mask period than the pre-mask period. Middle-ear peak pressures and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire scores were higher in healthcare workers who used N95/filtering facepiece type 2 masks.
Conclusion
Healthcare workers who used N95/filtering facepiece type 2 masks had worsened middle-ear pressures and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire scores. Use of N95/filtering facepiece type 2 masks was associated with higher rates of autophony, aural fullness and higher Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire scores in the post-mask period.
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- Copyright
- Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED
Footnotes
Nesibe Gül Yüksel Aslıer takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper
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