Correlation of size of tympanic membrane perforation & degree of hearing loss and frequency specific hearing gain following tympanoplasty

Abstract

Introduction: The tympanic membrane (TM) serves as a key component of the tympano-ossicular system. Chronic otitis media is known to cause mild to moderate conductive hearing loss. Material & Methods: The proposed study was conducted on 50 patients of either sex in age group of 15-50 years having unilateral or bilateral chronic inactive (mucosal) otitis media after obtaining their consent. Pure tone audiogram was done to confirm the degree, type and frequency specific hearing loss from frequency 250Hz to 8000Hz for air conduction and 250Hz to 4000Hz for bone conduction. TM perforations were divided into Group I (small), II (medium), III (Large) according to size of perforation. Results: Average Hearing loss in Group I, II, & III was 33.86, 43.84 & 46.75 dB respectively. Hearing improvement following tympanoplasty at 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000 Hz was 20.50, 18.1, 16.7, 14.3, 12.0, 1.6 dB respectively. Conclusion: Hearing threshold level depends on size of the tympanic membrane perforation. Hearing improvement following tympanoplasty is frequency-dependent also.