Analysis of hearing loss by pure tone audiometry in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media

Abstract

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) are an infection of the middle ear and mastoid cavity. Hearing loss is a consequence of CSOM; the degree of hearing loss can be analyzed by audiometry. Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study is to analyze hearing loss by pure tone audiometry in patients with CSOM. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 patients between the age group of 10–40 years, with discharging ears of >12 weeks duration were examined in outpatient clinics of ENT Department of Al Azhar Medical College and super specialty hospital. Patients were subjected for audiometric examination to assess the hearing loss. Patients were categorized based on the degree of hearing loss into five group’s mild (26–40 dB), moderate (41–55 dB), moderately severe (56–70 dB), severe (71–90 dB), and profound (>90 dB), respectively. Results: Most of the ears (85.9%) had mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss was 87.5% and mixed hearing loss was 12.5%. Average air-bone gap (ABG) was found to be 30.7 dB and 30.65 and maximum ABG was 50 and 45 dB in the right ear and left ear, respectively. Conclusion: Patients had mild-to-moderate conductive type of hearing loss. If these patients are left untreated may progress in developing mixed hearing loss. Audiometry is an important screening and diagnostic tool for assessing the degree of hearing loss. It also gives an idea for proper planning for surgery in these patients and to prevent hearing disability.