Autophony, the abnormal sensation of hearing one's own voice or other self-generated sounds (like breathing or heartbeat) unusually loudly in one or both ears, is primarily caused by issues affecting the middle ear and the Eustachian tube.
Here's a breakdown of the most common causes:
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Patulous Eustachian Tube (PET): This is perhaps the most frequent cause. Normally, the Eustachian tube opens and closes to equalize pressure in the middle ear. A patulous Eustachian tube remains abnormally open, allowing sound to travel more directly to the inner ear and causing the sensation of autophony. Weight loss, dehydration, pregnancy, or nasal decongestants can sometimes contribute to PET.
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Middle Ear Effusion (Serous Otitis Media): Fluid in the middle ear space can alter sound conduction and lead to autophony. This condition is often associated with ear infections or allergies.
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Eardrum Issues: Occlusions of the eardrum, such as excessive earwax (cerumen) or foreign bodies, can sometimes alter the way sound resonates, leading to autophony.
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Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media): Infections can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, disrupting normal sound transmission and leading to autophony along with other symptoms like ear pain.
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Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS): While less common, SCDS can also cause autophony. This condition involves a thinning or absence of bone overlying the superior semicircular canal in the inner ear. This creates an abnormal pathway for sound conduction, leading to various auditory and vestibular symptoms, including autophony.
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Minor's Syndrome: Refers to autophony, hearing one's heartbeat, and dizziness that occurs due to superior semicircular canal dehiscence or perilymph fistula.
In summary, autophony is most often related to problems affecting the mechanics of sound transmission in the middle ear or inner ear. If you experience autophony, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor), for proper diagnosis and treatment.
