Psychosocial impact of chronic otitis media on quality of life – A review

Abstract

Due to several unpleasant symptoms that reduce people's quality of life (QOL), chronic otitis media (COM) is considered a serious illness. Clinical signs of COM include hearing loss, otorrhea, ear fullness, ear discomfort, headache, and frequent tinnitus. COM is probably a trigger for the emergence of psychological issues and chronic stress. In addition, the inability to converse due to hearing loss is a limitation. The QOL is impacted in COM with hearing loss. Disabling hearing loss can have a significant effect on daily activities. For children to develop speech and language, proper hearing is necessary. Adults with hearing problems may have trouble finding work. Health-related QOL is an ever-increasing entity in health parameters. There is very little research done on COM and its psychosocial impact on QOL. This review article focuses on the psychosocial impact of QOL among patients with COM. This review article discusses epidemiology, COM, QOL, and their impact on patients in different age groups.