Comparison of Middle Ear Function among Patients with Allergic Rhinitis and Healthy Participants

The primary aim of this study is to compare middle ear changes and eustachian tube function between patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and those without, to understand the impact of AR on middle ear pathology. This prospective, comparative study was conducted over two years in a tertiary care hospital, involving 90 participants aged 10 to 55 years divided into two groups: 45 with clinically diagnosed allergic rhinitis confirmed via the SFAR score (> 7) and 45 controls with no AR symptoms. Excluding subjects with pre-existing ear diseases, prior ear or nasal surgeries, or gross nasal septum deviation. Data collection entailed detailed clinical examinations and objective audiological assessments with tympanometry and PTA. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, with descriptive statistics for demographic data, and inferential statistics—including chi-square tests—to examine associations, considering p < 0.05 as statistically significant. There was no statistically significant correlation between duration of AR and the TM changes observed as opposed to the anticipated results. However, the MEP (Middle Ear Pressure) was significantly lower in cases compared to controls a higher mean PTA compared to controls. This study found that patients with allergic rhinitis are more likely to exhibit subtle middle ear dysfunction, including reduced middle ear pressure and early signs of conductive hearing loss, even without obvious ear symptoms. These findings highlight the need for routine otological evaluation in allergic rhinitis patients, especially those with high SFAR scores, to prevent overlooked auditory complications.