Observations on Tympanic Membrane Perforations (Safe Type) and Hearing Loss.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Audiology
• Neurosensorineural Hearing Loss

Background:

• Discharging ear with tympanic membrane perforation is common in otological practice.
• Patients often overlook hearing loss, presenting with earache or discharge instead.
• Reduced tympanic membrane surface area due to perforations decreases sound amplification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the precise location and size of tympanic membrane perforations.
• To comparatively study the hearing loss associated with central perforations based on site and size.

Main Methods:

• Data collected from 100 patients between May 2015 and April 2016.
• Analysis focused on correlating perforation characteristics with hearing loss.
• Audiometric evaluation to quantify hearing impairment.

Main Results:

• Hearing loss is directly related to both the site and size of tympanic membrane perforations.
• Perforations in the postero-inferior quadrant result in greater hearing loss.
• Hearing loss is more pronounced for lower frequencies, varying between 2 and 25 dB.

Conclusions:

• The location and size of tympanic membrane perforations are critical factors influencing hearing loss.
• Even small perforations in the postero-inferior quadrant can cause significant hearing impairment.
• Understanding these relationships aids in managing conductive hearing loss effectively.