Tympanometric Findings among Adult HIV Patients Undergoing a Short‑Term Treatment with High Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in Port Harcourt

Abstract

Background: In our practice as ENT specialists, people living with Human
immunodeficiency Virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) have
presented at the clinics with symptoms suggestive of otitis media with effusion
such as the sensation of fluid in the ear, aural fullness and hearing loss. Eustachian
tube dysfunction which is often the beginning of middle ear pathology could be
caused by nasal allergy, upper respiratory tract infection, or obstruction by a nasal
pharyngeal lesion such as lymphoid hyperplasia which is a common feature in people
living with HIV/AIDS. Tympanometric findings give a measure of the objective
assessment of middle ear function. Aim and Objective: This study was designed
to determine tympanometric findings among adult patients undergoing short‑term
treatment with HAART in Port Harcourt. Patients and Methods: A hospital‑based
study involving 150 HIV‑positive patients that received the same HAART
treatment over 6 months and a control group of 150 HIV‑negative individuals in
Port Harcourt. The data extracted includes; the patient’s ear symptoms, otoscopic
findings, and tympanogram. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and
statistical significance was set at P > 0.05. Results: There was a high proportion
of type B‑Typanogram at baseline (Rt ear 24[16.0%], left ear 23 [15.3%]) and
at repeat (Rt ear 23 (15.3%), Lt ear 21 (14%) evaluations. Also, there was a
relatively high proportion of type C‑ tympanogram at baseline {right ear 18 (12%),
left ear 15 (10%)} and at repeat Rt ear 14 (9.3%), Lt ear 10 (6.7%)} evaluations.
Conclusion: One out of every eight patients living with HIV infection may
likely have Eustachian tube dysfunction while one out of every five may have
developed otitis media with effusion already. There was no significant change in
tympanometric findings after treatment with HAART.