Objective Tinnitus of Nasopharyngeal Origin

Abstract

We report a rare case of objective tinnitus induced by nasopharyngeal muscle constriction. A 49-year-old female patient presented at the clinic with unintentional sounds coming from the nasal cavity while talking or swallowing, which were similar to the lip-smacking sound. Physical examination revealed a hypertrophic posterior nasopharyngeal wall and torus tubarius at rest. With voluntary effort, the posterior pharyngeal wall protruded prominently and collided with the torus tubarius on either side, generating a sound when they were separated. Botox injection was recommended but the patient refused. The diagnosis and treatment of objective tinnitus are well established, but in some cases, it may occur under unexpected conditions. We report a novel type of objective tinnitus. A thorough physical examination for tinnitus could reveal the cause.