SEOUL: K-pop singer and actor IU has postponed the release of her upcoming album and cancelled a scheduled September concert after a rare ear disorder affected her ability to sing.
The 33-year-old artist shared the update with fans on Monday through the communication platform Berriz, saying her symptoms of patulous Eustachian tube (PET) dysfunction have worsened, making it difficult to maintain her vocal condition despite not affecting her daily life.
“While it does not affect my daily life, the symptoms persist day and night, making it difficult to maintain my condition when singing,” IU wrote, apologising to fans for the delay in her comeback plans.
Patulous Eustachian tube dysfunction occurs when the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose, remains abnormally open instead of staying closed except during swallowing or yawning. As a result, air and sound continuously enter the middle ear, causing autophony a condition in which a person hears their own voice and breathing unusually loudly.
Medical experts say the disorder can be especially debilitating for singers and other professionals who rely on their hearing and voice.
Professor Jung Jin-sei of Severance Hospital said patients often describe hearing their own voice echo “as if they were in a cave,” making the condition particularly distressing for vocal performers. He added that symptoms temporarily improving when bending forward may indicate PET dysfunction.
According to specialists, the condition is rarely present from birth and is more commonly linked to rapid weight loss, fatigue and extreme dieting. These factors can reduce the fat and muscle surrounding the Eustachian tube, preventing it from closing properly.
The disorder is considered more common among young, slim women and can significantly affect people whose professions depend on their voices, including singers, teachers and call centre workers. Symptoms may also worsen during physical activity as heavier breathing amplifies internal sounds.
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and ranges from lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining a healthy weight and staying hydrated, to medical procedures or surgery in more severe cases.
IU’s health update has drawn attention to the little-known condition, highlighting the challenges it poses for performers whose careers rely on precise hearing and vocal control.
