Publication:

Blast injury to the ear: management and long term follow up at a tertiary care hospital in a terrorism affected area of North India

Background A large proportion of blast victims suffers ear injuries; however, these injuries are often overlooked.

Methods We assessed 411 blast victims to detect ear injury employing detailed history, otological examination, pure tone audiometry, auditory steady state response and distortion product otoacoustic emissions. TM perforations were managed by thorough cleaning of ear by suctioning, edges approximation and gelfoam splinting in group A and only suctioning in group B. Prednisolone in tapering doses was prescribed for managing hearing loss in all except those in whom it was contraindicated.

Results Out of 411 blast victims, 228 (55.47%) had aural trauma. All cases were males (being serving soldiers) between ages of 21 and 57 years. (Mean 37.77 years, SD 10.38). 285 ears had a perforated TM. Of these, 145 were assigned to group A while 140 were in group B. There was no significant difference in spontaneous healing of perforation between the two groups but at 5 years’ follow up group A had significantly higher number of unscarred, healthy TMs than group B (Z score=2.2111, p=0.0271). Mean pure tone average was 51.16 dB (SD 8.79 dB) at presentation and 38.91 dB (SD 7.86 dB) at 5 years. Recovery of SNHL component was significantly better in steroid treated patients.

Conclusions Edges approximation and gelfoam splinting helped in reducing scarring of TM on healing, on long follow up. Steroid treated group showed better recovery of hearing loss.