A Descriptive Study Assessing the Correlation between the Size of Holes in the Tympanic Membrane and the Degree of Hearing Loss
Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery,
Vol. 10 No. 1 (2024),
13 March 2024
https://doi.org/10.22037/orlfps.v10i1.45563
Abstract
Background: Holes in the tympanic membranes, known as perforations, are a common ear condition often resulting from trauma, infection, or medical procedures. These perforations can lead to various degrees of hearing loss and require timely detection and treatment to prevent further damage to the middle ear.
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the size of perforations in the tympanic membrane and the degree of hearing loss. Specifically, the study categorized the perforations into small, medium, and large sizes to assess their impact on hearing function.
Methods: The study conducted an observational analysis of 1000 patients (1230 ears) with chronic otitis media, focusing on those aged between 16 to 45 years. Patients with central perforations in the pars tensa were included, while those with squamosal chronic suppurative otitis media or wet ear were excluded. Data collection included detailed medical history, general examination, ENT examination, and assessment of perforation size using otoendoscopy. Pure-tone audiometry was utilized to measure hearing loss, categorized according to WHO standards. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between perforation size and hearing loss.
Results: Of the 1000 patients included, 23% had bilateral perforations, with varying sizes observed. The majority of patients had mild conductive hearing loss (69.9%), followed by moderate (27.6%) and severe (1.6%) loss. The analysis revealed a significant correlation between perforation size and hearing loss (p < 0.05). Smaller perforations were associated with mild hearing loss (averaging 28 dB), while larger perforations led to more severe loss (averaging 47 dB).
Conclusion: The study confirmed that the size of perforations in the tympanic membrane correlates with the degree of hearing loss, with larger perforations resulting in more significant impairment. These findings underscore the importance of early detection and appropriate management of tympanic membrane perforations to prevent further hearing deterioration. However, future research should consider additional factors such as patient age and the condition of the middle ear bones to provide a comprehensive understanding of hearing outcomes in these cases.
- Holes in the tympanic membrane; Hearing loss severity; Audiometric assessments; Middle ear.
How to Cite
References
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