Document Type : Original research
Authors
Department of Otolaryngology, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
Abstract
Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a long-standing inflammation of the middle ear. Mucosal CSOM, the most prevalent form, typically causes conductive hearing loss due to perforation of the tympanic membrane. However, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) may also occur. This study aims to assess the frequency of SNHL in mucosal CSOM and characterize its features.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2024 to March 2025 at the Otolaryngology and Audiovestibular Consultation Unit, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Iraq. Sixty patients with unilateral mucosal chronic suppurative otitis media were enrolled, with the non-diseased ear serving as a control. All participants underwent tuning fork tests and pure tone audiometry.
Results: Nine out of 60 patients (15%) exhibited mixed hearing loss. The degree of SNHL was moderate in 7 patients (77.8%) and mild in 2 patients (22.2%). SNHL was significantly associated with longer disease duration and the presence of active disease (p = 0.018 and 0.032, respectively). Higher-frequency hearing was more affected than speech frequencies, with significantly elevated bone conduction thresholds in the diseased ear compared to the control ear (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Mucosal CSOM may contribute to SNHL in 15% of cases, particularly among patients with longer disease duration and active discharge. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to prevent permanent sensorineural hearing impairment.
Keywords
- Mucosal chronic otitis media
- Sensorineural hearing loss
- Conductive hearing loss
- Audiometry
- Hearing thresholds
Main Subjects
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