Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Among the Public in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Survey-Based Study

Abstract

Background Obstruction of the Eustachian tube is a common condition that is unpleasant and might lead to various middle ear disorders. Objective This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) among the public in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted in Jeddah during August 2018 by distributing an electronic survey form to participants from different districts of the city. All male and female residents of Jeddah aged 10 years and above had the chance to participate in this study. Results A total of 2372 participants (female, 1535/2372, 64.71%; male, 837/2372, 35.28%; mean age 31.31 years, SD 11.85 years) agreed to contribute to our study. Upon analysis of their answers to the questionnaire, the overall prevalence of ETD in our sample was found to be 42.49% (1008/2372). The prevalence was higher among participants who reported a previous diagnosis of ETD and hearing loss (1897/2372, 80.00% and 1902/2372, 80.21%, respectively). Additionally, participants with a family history of hearing loss had a significantly higher prevalence (1136/2372, 47.92%) of ETD than those with no family history of hearing loss. Our analysis also showed that females were at a greater risk of developing ETD than males (P=.01). Conclusions As per our prevalence data, ETD is a common disease in Jeddah, pointing to the need for more attention, awareness, and research.