Autophony in inpatients with anorexia nervosa or avoidant restrictive food intake disorder

Abstract

Objective To assess for the prevalence of autophony, a distressing auditory symptom commonly attributed to patulous eustachian tube, in a cohort of individuals with severe malnourishment due to an eating disorder. Method A cross‐sectional survey study was performed. Patients admitted for inpatient medical stabilization of an eating disorder, who were also at low body weight, were asked to complete a survey assessing aural symptoms present in the previous 24 hr, including autophony. Anthropometric data and prealbumin levels were collected. Results Of 101 patients enrolled, 43 (42.6%) reported symptoms of autophony. The presence of autophony was associated with lower serum prealbumin levels and lower body weight as measured by percentage of ideal body weight. Discussion Autophony is a commonly reported, albeit rarely discussed, symptom in individuals with severe eating disorders and correlates with degree of malnutrition.

Transient patulous eustachian tube in severe anorexia nervosa: A prospective observational study

“…Because the ETDQ‐7 does not assess autophony, patients were also asked three screening questions about autophony symptoms. These questions were taken from a screening questionnaire developed for a prior study of otologic symptoms in eating disorder patients 12 …”

“…These questions were taken from a screening questionnaire developed for a prior study of otologic symptoms in eating disorder patients. 12 …”

“…These questions were taken from a screening questionnaire developed for a prior study of otologic symptoms in eating disorder patients. 12 In the past 24 h have you experienced any of the following symptoms?…”

“… 10 Despite limited reports in the literature, autophony in severe AN patients is common. In a cross‐sectional survey study of otologic symptoms in 101 patients admitted for treatment of a severe eating disorder, 43% of patients reported autophony within the prior 24 h. 12 …”

“…10 Despite limited reports in the literature, autophony in severe AN patients is common. In a cross-sectional survey study of otologic symptoms in 101 patients admitted for treatment of a severe eating disorder, 43% of patients reported autophony within the prior 24 h. 12 Anecdotally, it is common for patients admitted for treatment of severe AN to report an intrusive autophony that then resolves within days of an admission to medically stabilize and begin weight restoration. This is intriguing given that PET is often a chronic condition and would not be expected to resolve until after significant restoration of body weight.…”