Sensorineural hearing loss in otitis media

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Audiology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Otitis media, encompassing acute purulent otitis media (POM) and chronic suppurative otitis media (COM), is a common condition affecting the middle ear.
• Previous research suggests a link between otitis media and hearing impairment, but the specific mechanisms and extent of cochlear involvement require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between acute purulent otitis media (POM) and chronic suppurative otitis media (COM) and high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss.
• To evaluate cochlear involvement and hearing threshold shifts in patients with POM and COM using electrophysiological methods and large-scale data analysis.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study utilizing electrophysiological methods in selected patients and chinchillas demonstrated temporary and permanent threshold shifts in POM.
• A multi-center, cross-sectional study analyzed data from 475 ears with bilateral COM, 607 ears with unilateral COM, and 607 control ears.

Main Results:

• In POM, temporary and permanent threshold shifts of basal cochlear turn involvement were observed.
• Statistically significant hearing losses (15 dB or greater) were found in 43% of unilateral COM and 42% of bilateral COM ears, with odds ratios eight times higher than controls.
• More severe hearing losses (30 dB or greater) were present in 16% of unilateral COM and 17% of bilateral COM ears, showing seven and ten times the odds compared to controls, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Both acute purulent otitis media and chronic suppurative otitis media are significant contributors to high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss.
• The findings underscore the importance of considering otitis media as a cause of hearing impairment and highlight the need for clinical vigilance and management.