Chronic Otitis Media (Squamous Disease): Clinical Predictors for Hearing Outcome

Introduction Postoperative hearing outcome after tympanomastoid surgery may sometimes be disappointing. This study aims to identify the factors influencing hearing outcome in squamous type of chronic otitis media (COM). Materials and Methods Prospective descriptive study on consecutive patients undergoing tympano-mastoidectomy for squamous COM. Results Analysis of 40 ears revealed that 10% had discharge less than one year with majority (75%) having more than three years. Pars flaccida and postero-superior pars tensa retraction pockets were most common findings with frank cholesteatoma only in 10%. Though mean preoperative pure tone average was significantly better (p=0.004) in those with ear discharge less than one year, 50% required type IV tympanoplasty, irrespective of duration of discharge. Type IV tympanoplasty revealed significant worsening of hearing (p=0.05), unlike type I-III where intact stapes suprastructure showed a significant postoperative improvement (p = 0.036). Successful graft uptake with discharge free ear was noted in 97.5% by 12 weeks. Conclusion Majority of our patients availed otolaryngologist opinion after more than three years of onset of discharge. Significant ossicular erosion occurs early in the disease. Preoperative better audiogram is not a predictor of ossicular status. Lack of significant symptoms and subtle clinical finding in the tympanic membrane, overlooked by the patient as well as the primary health care provider are confounding factors for early referral and surgical intervention by otolaryngologist. There appears to be a considerable delay for the common person in reaching the services of otolaryngologist; a relevant issue which need to be addressed at a national level to reduce the burden of the disease.