Extended High-frequency Hearing Loss in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media Patients Complaining of Tinnitus but with Normal Cochlear Function on Conventional Pure-tone Audiometry

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to find the incidence of extended high-frequency hearing loss (EHFHL) in chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) patients complaining of tinnitus but with normal cochlear function on conventional pure-tone audiometry (PTA). CSOM often results in conductive hearing loss, but recent studies have shown sensorineural hearing loss, thus indicating inner ear damage. Study Design: The stud design was a prospective study. Setting: The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: In a prospective observational study, a total of 141 patients with CSOM were reviewed. Seventy-four CSOM patients presented with tinnitus, and the mean age of presentation was 31.4 ± 6.82 years. Only those with normal cochlear function based on PTA (250 Hz to 8 kHz) were included. They were further tested at extended frequencies of up to 12 kHz. The severity of tinnitus was assessed using the Tinnitus Handicap Index Questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of EHFHL in the normal cochlear function CSOM patients with tinnitus was 68.9%, whereas the prevalence in the tinnitus negative group was 22.38%. EHFHL and tinnitus in CSOM patients show statistically significant association (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant association between the severity of tinnitus and EHFHL. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that the patients of CSOM with tinnitus and normal hearing in conventional PTA have EHFHL that indicates damage has occurred in the inner ear. The severity of the tinnitus can be predicted by the degree of higher frequency hearing loss.