[Analysis of sensorineural hearing loss in chronic suppurative otitis media]

Abstract

Objective: To explore the association between chronic suppurative otitis media and sensorineural hearing loss.

Method: The files of 147 patients with unilateral chronic suppurative media were reviewed in a retrospective study. Differences between diseased and control ear bone conduction thresholds were analysed by the paired student's t-test over the four frequencies (0.5 kHz, 1.0 kHz, 2.0 kHz, 4.0 kHz). The effect of the presence of cholesteatoma and ossicular erosion on sensorineural hearing loss over the speech frequencies (0.5 kHz, 1.0 kHz, 2.0 kHz) and 4.0 kHz were analysed by one-way ANOVA. Linear regression models were used to clarify the relationships between sensorineural hearing loss and chronic suppurative otitis media.

Result: The differences in bone conduction threshold between diseased and control ear were statistically significant. Bone conduction threshold shift at speech frequency was associated with the ages. The presence of cholesteatoma and ossicular erosion was not associated with a significantly increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss.

Conclusion: Chronic suppurative otitis media can result in sensorineural hearing loss. The higher frequencies are easier affected than the lower frequencies.