[The microbiome from ear to nasopharynx].

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Otolaryngology
• Genomics

Context:

• The relationship between the nasopharynx and ear microbiome and its impact on hearing is complex and varies with disease.
• Factors influencing the ear microbiome include foreign bodies, infections, and chronic conditions like otitis media.

Purpose:

• To review current scientific knowledge on the anatomical areas from the nasopharynx to the ear and their associated microbiomes.
• To explore the link between the gut microbiome, diet, and hearing function.

Summary:

• Foreign bodies in the outer ear alter the microbiome and create a moist environment.
• Middle ear infections and chronic effusions correlate with specific bacterial changes (e.g., Corynebacteria) in the nasopharynx and reduced microbial diversity in tympanic effusions.
• Biofilms in the middle ear are linked to severe conductive hearing loss, and altered middle ear microbiomes are found even in the contralateral ear of cholesteatoma patients.

Impact:

• Findings suggest diet and gut microbiome modulation as potential preventive strategies for hearing loss and other ENT conditions.
• Highlights the heterogeneous relationship between the nasopharynx and ear microbiome, emphasizing disease-specific interactions.
• Provides insights for otolaryngologists on the role of the microbiome in ear health and disease prevention.