Evaluation of Ear in Otologically Asymptomatic Patients of Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the ear in otologically asymptomatic patients of chronic rhinosinusitis and summarize the otological and audiological findings. Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Jaipur Golden Hospital, New Delhi, from January 2019 to October 2019. 80 cases aged between 15 and 55 years with Chronic rhinosinusitis were included in the study. Detailed clinical examination and history was carried out followed by Diagnostic nasal endoscopy and Otoendoscopy. All the data collected was statistically analyzed. Results: In patients of Chronic rhinosinusitis, Nasal obstruction was the most common complaint. Out of 80 patients 47 had abnormal Tympanic Membrane finding in one or the other ear, among them Tympanosclerotic patch was the most common finding. Co-relation between Diagnostic nasal endoscopy in right and left ipsilateral nasal cavity and tympanic membrane showed statistically significant association between nasal polyp and presence of abnormal tympanic membrane. Statistically significant association between duration of chronic rhinosinusitis and presence of abnormal tympanic membrane finding on otoendoscopy was found. Conclusion: chronic rhinosinusitis affects the ears slowly and silently. Hence, the ears should always be proactively evaluated in every patient of chronic rhinosinusitis to diagnose inevident disease in ears and if necessary, initiate timely preventive and therapeutic intervention.