Functional ear symptoms referred to an otology clinic: incidence, co-morbidity, aetiological factors and a new experience-driven clinical model

ObjectiveThis study aimed to review the incidence and co-morbidity of functional ear symptoms in new referrals to an adult otology clinic and present a clinical model based on neuroscientific concepts. MethodThis was a retrospective review of 1000 consecutive new referrals to an adult otology clinic. ResultsFunctional disorder was the primary diagnosis in 346 patients (34.6 per cent). Functional ear symptoms included tinnitus (69.7 per cent), imbalance (23.7 per cent), otalgia (22.8 per cent) and aural fullness (19.1 per cent), with more than one symptom occurring in 25.1 per cent of patients. Co-morbidities included sensorineural hearing loss (39 per cent), emotional stress (30 per cent) and chronic illness (22 per cent). ConclusionFunctional disorders commonly present to the otology clinic, often in the presence of emotional stress or chronic illness. They occur because of adaptation of brain circuitry to experience, including adverse events, chronic illness and fear learning. This study presented an experience-driven clinical model based on these concepts. An understanding of these principles will significantly aid otolaryngologists who encounter patients with functional ear symptoms.