Antonelli, M., Pennacchi, A., Pasquarella, G., Moscoloni, M., Mariani, G., & Borioni, B. (2025). Inhalation therapy with sulfur-rich thermal water for rhinogenic deafness: A series of case reports. International Journal of Biometeorology, 69(3), 703-707. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-024-02841-z
Rhinogenic Deafness: What Science Says About Inhalation Therapy with Thermal Mineral Waters
By Dr. Michele Antonelli, MD - 28/02/2025
Rhinogenic deafness is a medical condition that occurs when there is a reduction in hearing ability caused by inflammatory issues in the upper respiratory tract, such as chronic rhinosinusitis. These nasal disorders can interfere with the proper functioning of the Eustachian tubes, which are responsible for balancing pressure within the middle ear. This can result in increased pressure and a buildup of secretions in the middle ear, leading to rhinogenic deafness.
A traditional treatment for rhinogenic deafness is inhalation therapy with sulfurous thermal waters, which harness the natural properties of mineral waters to improve the function of the Eustachian tubes and relieve the symptoms associated with this condition (hearing loss, ear fullness, autophony, recurrent otitis media, the feeling of obstruction in the upper respiratory tract, etc.). Thermal mineral waters have anti-inflammatory, mucolytic, and emollient properties; additionally, the use of specific techniques like tubaric insufflations or crenotherapeutic Politzer maneuvers exerts a mechanical effect, also stimulating a sort of passive physical exercise of the Eustachian tubes.
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Recent studies, such as the one conducted at Terme di Frasassi on a group of patients with rhinogenic deafness, have shown that a therapy cycle (12 sessions) with sulfur aerosol and bilateral tubaric insufflations can lead to significant benefits. Patients treated with these therapies showed improvements in their tympanogram (from abnormal, type B or C, to normal, type A, bilaterally) and a significant reduction in symptoms, with improvement scores reaching a median of 9.5 out of 10.
Inhalation therapy with sulfur waters not only helps restore tubal function by reducing inflammation but also improves the quality of life for patients. This study confirms conclusions reached by other research groups in the past, but further studies may be helpful to better quantify the duration of the benefits and the synergy with other treatments.
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WORLD HYDROTHERMAL ORGANIZATION
Palazzo Terme - via Vittorio Emanuele - 38056 Levico Terme (TN) - Italy
Tel. +39 0461 727700 - Fax +39 0461 727799
e-mail: info@omth.com
C.F. IT 01846730222