Analysis of Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media with and without Cholesteatoma

Abstract

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) still remains a major cause of conductive hearing loss in our country. On contrary a few patients also display an added sensorineural component. Materials and Methods: Hundred patients with unilateral CSOM undergoing ear surgery at our department were included in the study. The affected ears formed the 'CSOM group' and the normal ears formed the 'Control group'. Detailed otologic history, clinical, surgical, and audiometric findings were recorded and analyzed. Results: It was inferred that though CSOM is associated with sensorineural (SN) loss in small majority of patients only. No co-relation was established between the duration of discharge and SN loss. Conclusions: Though, greater SN loss was seen in patients of CSOM with cholesteatoma but it was not statistically significant. It can be further studied that whether an early surgery in CSOM can prevent SN loss or not.