Prevalence and Co-Morbidities of Adult-Onset Otitis Media With Effusion

Abstract

Background: Adult-onset otitis media with effusion (AO-OME) is relatively difficult to characterize, because of its associated co-morbidities. Objectives: To quantify the burden, assess co-existing diseases, and management of patients with AO-OME. Design of the Study: A descriptive observational prospective study. Setting: Clinical department in a tertiary hospital. Materials and Methods: Adult patients with conductive hearing impairment without ear discharge (excluding other pathologies) nor external ear pathology were eligible. The patients also had tympanometry with type B tracings (tympanograms). Interventions: Clinico-demographic characteristics, history of otologic symptoms, affected ear, and hearing impairment were obtained. Pure-tone audiometry (PTA), tympanometry, and radiological investigations were performed. Other existing diseases (co-morbidities) were noted. The main outcome measure was audiologically confirmed AO-OME. Results: Prevalence of AO-OME was (110/3452) 3.2%. Young adults (age group 18–30 years) constituted 33.7% (28/83), mean age was 37.3 ± 11.5 years, and 46/83 (55.4%) were males and 37/83 (44.6%) were females. The common otologic symptoms were feeling of fullness in the ear in 27.7% (23/83), hearing loss in 24.1% (20/83), and bilateral ear involvement in 32.5% (27/83). PTA revealed 8.2% (9/110) had normal hearing, whereas 62.7% (69/110) ears had conductive hearing loss. Patients had radiological investigations, namely plain X rays in 67.5% (56/83) and computerized tomography scan of sinuses in 10.8% (9/83). Three (3/83) patients (3.6%) each had nasoendoscopy, and nasal and nasopharyngeal examination under anaesthesia and biopsy. The major associated diseases (co-morbidities) were allergy in 38.6% (32/83), infective rhinosinusitis in 24.1% (20/83), and upper respiratory tract infection in 14.5% (12/83). Conclusion: Prevalence of AO-OME was 3.2%. AO-OME co-existed commonly with allergy and other inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. The management was conservative medical management.

State of Hearing Function and Eustachian Tonsils in Patients With Secretory Otitis Media at Different Stages of Its Development

“…Прийнято вважати, що дана патологія найбільш характерна для пацієнтів дитячого віку [1,6,12], але дані світової статистики за останні роки свідчать про збільшення частки ССО в структурі ЛОР-патології дорослого населення [13].…”

“…Проблема ССО у дітей вивчена достатньо добре і викладена в багатьох наукових роботах [1]. У них прослідковується єдність поглядів на етіологію і патогенез захворювання, вироблені діагностичні критерії і визначені основні підходи до лікування і реабілітації хворих [1,6,12]. Відомості про ССО у дорослих різноманітні, немає єдиної думки про причини його виникнення.…”

Demographic analysis of hearing impairment based on various parameters in patients with cochlear implant

“…Perforation of the eardrum can also cause CHL. 6 Trauma or disease of cochlea can cause the loss of primary auditory neurons or damage to sensory hair cells that manifest as HL. The cause of SNHL is very complex, which can be congenital or acquired HL (AHL).…”

Clinical and Morphological Parallels in the Etiopathogenesis of Secretory Otitis Media

“…The clinical course and presentation of SOM are determined by the presence of the etiological and pathogenetic factors specifi c to this condition. SOM is a multifactorial disease; however, the majority of specialists consider impaired Eustachian tube functions, specifi cally ventilation and drainage, as its primary cause [6][7][8][9]. Nasal and sinus disorders, including those of viral etiology, are implicated as the main etiological factors for developing Eustachian tube dysfunction.…”