Effect of Polypectomy on Middle Ear Function in Nasal Polyposis Patients

Abstract

Background: Nasal obstruction and nasal polyps are among the most common diseases treated by ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists. Clinical symptoms of the disease are mostly in the form of obstruction, such as pain or pressure in the face, nasal congestion and nasal sound, purulent nasal discharge, and dysfunction of the sense of smell. Studies show that disorders of the middle ear, Eustachian tube, nose, and paranasal sinuses affect other components. In other words, nasal polyps can cause middle ear dysfunction. The change in pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane is accompanied by changes in the structure and function of the tympanic membrane and hearing impairment. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of polypectomy on middle ear function in patients with nasal and sinus polyposis. Methods: This quasi - experimental study investigated 50 patients with nasal polyposis referred to the specialized ENT Clinic of Vali-e-Asr and Razi hospitals in Birjand, Iran, in 2021. After examination by a specialist and confirmation of nasal polyps, the patients were referred to an audiometry center (Tanin Audiometry Center) for audiometric testing. The results of pure - tone audiometry (PTA), speech recognition threshold (SRT), speech discrimination score (SDS), and endotracheal tube parameters before and after surgery were compared to patients’ clinical symptoms. Results: Out of 50 patients, 25 and 25 subjects were female and male, respectively. Based on the results of the present study, the mean PTA scores of the right ear before and after surgery were 15.9 ± 8.8 and 15.3 ± 8, respectively, which decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The PTA mean scores of the left ear before and after surgery were 15.4 ± 8.2 and 15.3 ± 8, respectively. The SRT mean scores of the right ear before and after surgery were 18.9 ± 9.1 and 18 ± 8.6, respectively. The SRT mean scores of the left ear before and after surgery were 18.7 ± 9.5 and 18.8 ± 10.2, respectively. The SDS mean scores of the right ear before and after surgery were 100 ± 0 and 100 ± 0, respectively. The SDS mean scores of the left ear before and after surgery were 100 ± 0 and 100 ± 0, respectively, which at the end of the study were not significantly different from those at the beginning of the study (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Middle ear function before and after chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) surgery was not significantly different in patients undergoing surgery. In addition, the clinical symptoms of patients after CRS improved compared to those at the beginning of the study.