A STUDY ON CORRELATION OF SIZE AND SITE OF TYMPANIC MEMBRANE PERFORATION WITH DEGREE OF CONDUCTIVE HEARING LOSS IN CHRONIC OTITIS MEDIA

Abstract

Background: Tympanic membrane perforations are common cause of hearing loss. This study was designed to analyze the relation between tympanic membrane perforation and conductive hearing loss. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, patients with dry tympanic membrane perforations of safe type were included. The patients were divided into groups in according to size, site and duration of perforation. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria a total of 100 patients were included in this study. All the patients clinical data was analyzed statistically using paired t-test. Results:Hearing loss increased as the size of perforation increased. Posterior quadrant perforations were associated with more hearing loss as compared to anterior quadrant perforations. Also duration of disease was in linear relation with mean hearingloss. Conclusions: The degree of conductive hearing loss as a result of tympanic membrane perforation would be expected with the size, site and duration of perforation. Keywords: Tympanic membrane, Conductive hearing loss, Perforation, hearing loss, posterior quadrant, ear.