Analysis of Sensorineural Hearing Loss by Pure Tone Audiometry in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of sensorineural hearing loss in patients presenting with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media.Methods: A total of 121 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and visited the ENT Department of Civil Hospital, Karachi were included in the study. Informed consent was taken after explaining the procedure, risks, and benefits of the study. Bone conduction thresholds were measured at frequencies (500, 1000, 2000, 4000 H2) utilizing diagnostic audiometer model TA 155. Air conduction and bone conduction thresholds >30 decibel and no air-bone gap were considered as SNHL. The opposite ear was masked while obtaining bone conduction results. All the collected data were entered into the proforma.Results: Mean ± SD of age was 35.48 ± 7.24 years. The mean ± SD of bone conduction was 29.42 ± 4.28 db. Out of 121 patients, 85 (70.24%) were male and 36 (29.76%) were female. Sensorineural hearing loss was noted in 20 (16.52%) patients. SNHL is found to be associated with age, gender, duration of symptoms, and level of bone conduction with p <0.05.Conclusion: It is concluded that CSOM is associated with SNHL. Aging can act as a precipitating factor in this pathological process. It is therefore recommended that all ENT surgeons should implement early medical and surgical management of any form of CSOM to prevent SNHL which is irreversible in most patients.