Determinants of hearing loss severity in tympanic membrane perforations in a sub-Saharan African setting
E Choffor-Nchinda1, F Djomou1, R-C Meva'a Biouele2
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery,Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences,University of Yaounde I,Yaounde,Cameroon.
Background:
Factors specific to sub-Saharan Africa could have an impact on tympanic membrane perforation characteristics. Obtaining precise information on these characteristics and determinants of hearing loss severity would enable better management.
Objective:
To determine the relationship between characteristics of tympanic membrane perforation and subsequent hearing impairment.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study of consenting patients presenting with tympanic membrane perforation was conducted. They were examined using otoendoscopy with a digital camera to obtain precise measurements, followed by pure tone audiometry.
Results:
Eighty-six cases of tympanic membrane perforation were included. Mean tympanic membrane perforation proportion was 34.1 ± 18.4 per cent. Medium-sized tympanic membrane perforations were predominant (47.7 per cent). Median tympanic membrane perforation duration was 20 years. Tympanic membrane perforation size was found to be a predictor of hearing loss severity (odds ratio = 2.5, 95 per cent confidence interval = 1.02-6.13, p = 0.04).
Conclusion:
Tympanic membrane perforation size was a predictor of hearing loss severity in our setting. Site, duration and aetiology seem to have no impact on hearing loss severity.
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