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Sensorineural hearing loss in chronic otitis media.
Zoltán Papp1, Szilárd Rezes, István Jókay
1University of Debrecen Health Science Center Medical School, Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, Debrecen, Hungary.
Summary
Chronic suppurative otitis media is linked to sensorineural hearing loss, particularly in older individuals. This condition can damage the inner ear, affecting higher frequencies more severely.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a persistent middle ear infection.
- Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) affects the inner ear and auditory nerve.
- The relationship between CSOM and SNHL requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal link between chronic suppurative otitis media and sensorineural hearing loss.
- To quantify the association between CSOM duration and the severity of SNHL.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 121 patients with unilateral CSOM.
- Calculation of air and bone conduction thresholds at speech frequencies (500-2000 Hz) and 4 kHz.
- Application of multiple linear regression to assess SNHL in relation to CSOM parameters.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between CSOM and SNHL.
- SNHL severity, measured by threshold shifts, increased with CSOM duration, especially in older patients.
- Hearing loss at 4 kHz was more pronounced than at speech frequencies.
Conclusions:
- The inner ear demonstrates vulnerability to chronic suppurative otitis media.
- Advanced age exacerbates the risk and severity of SNHL in CSOM patients.
- Higher frequency hearing loss suggests greater damage to sensory cells closer to the inflamed middle ear.