Nasal turbinate hypertrophy suspected to cause tinnitus

Ms. Lien, 27 years old, has been experiencing sounds similar to breathing in her ears and she believed she had tinnitus. After visiting a doctor, it was discovered that she had hypertrophy of the lower nasal turbinate. The doctor explained that the breathing sounds in her ears were more noticeable when she exhaled and inhaled, and this was due to the enlarged lower nasal turbinate causing obstruction.

Inferior turbinate hypertrophy is the excessive growth or expansion of the inferior turbinate, leading to nasal obstruction. This condition causes symptoms such as a constant feeling of stuffy nose and hearing breathing sounds in the ears. Although this case is rare, the doctor confirmed that this was the cause of Ms. Lien’s symptoms, as inferior turbinate hypertrophy usually does not present with tinnitus.

Common symptoms of inferior turbinate hypertrophy include nasal congestion, postnasal drip, dry cough, difficulty breathing through the nose, mouth breathing while sleeping, and snoring. Before proceeding with surgery, the doctor used nasal drops to reduce the hypertrophy and monitor tinnitus symptoms. The drops had a temporary effect, but provided relief for Ms. Lien.

After surgery to reconstruct the lower nasal turbinate, Ms. Lien no longer heard tinnitus with her breathing sounds. The nasal cavity contains three turbinates on each side, and when the turbinates are enlarged, it can lead to airflow obstruction and breathing difficulties. Turbinate hypertrophy, if left untreated, can cause persistent nasal congestion and other complications, affecting the patient’s quality of life.

It is important for patients experiencing symptoms related to the nose, sinuses, and ears to seek medical attention from an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. Prompt intervention can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications associated with conditions like inferior turbinate hypertrophy.