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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
08:47
Endoscopic Cholesteatoma Surgery
Published on: January 19, 2022
Dysgeusia and cholesteatoma
Harold H Kim1, Edsel U Kim, David F Wilson
1Wilson Ear Clinic, Portland, OR, USA. galbey@yahoo.com
American Journal of Otolaryngology
|August 29, 2006
Summary
Cholesteatoma can cause taste disturbances (dysgeusia) even without other ear symptoms. This case highlights the importance of considering cholesteatoma in patients with isolated dysgeusia.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
Background:
- Cholesteatoma, a skin-lined cyst in the middle ear, typically presents with hearing loss, otorrhea, or vertigo.
- Dysgeusia, or altered taste sensation, is an uncommon symptom associated with middle ear pathologies.
Observation:
- This case report details an individual with chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma whose only presenting symptom was dysgeusia.
- The patient experienced no hearing loss, ear discharge, or balance issues.
Findings:
- Surgical exploration confirmed cholesteatoma and an intact, though attenuated, chorda tympani nerve.
- The patient's dysgeusia persisted even after surgical removal of the cholesteatoma.
Implications:
- The anatomical proximity of the chorda tympani nerve to cholesteatoma suggests a potential for taste disturbances.
- Further research is needed to establish the true incidence of dysgeusia as a presenting symptom of cholesteatoma.
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