Evaluation of Vestibular Function in Patients with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess vestibular functions in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) with and without sensorineural hearing loss. Study Design: This was a prospective case study performed at a tertiary referral university hospital. Sixty patients with CSOM were included, and patients with a history of head trauma, diabetes, hypertension, previous ear surgery, use of ototoxic drugs, neurological deficits and suspected fistulae were excluded. Patients and Methods: The patients underwent basic audiological evaluation, and clinical and instrumental vestibular evaluation. The incidence and extent of vestibular dysfunction in patients with CSOM were analyzed. Results: A total of 42 males and 16 females with a mean age of 29.5 years were included in this study. Forty ears had tubotympanic disease and 19 had cholesteatoma. There were 14 ears with sensorineural hearing loss. A positive history of vertigo was reported in 53.5% of the cases. Rotatory chair abnormalities were found in 70% of the cases, caloric hypofunction was found in 61.6%, and vestibular myogenic evoked potentials were abnormal in 25%. The only positive correlation with vestibular dysfunction was the duration of disease. Conclusions: The vestibular system is significantly affected in cases with CSOM. Both semicircular canals and the saccule are affected. All patients with long-standing CSOM should be evaluated for vestibular dysfunction irrespective of their hearing levels.