Publication:

A cross sectional study to assess effects of mastoid drill on hearing levels in chronic suppurative otitis media cases in a tertiary care hospital in northern Maharashtra

Background Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is most common middle ear disease that is encountered in daily practice. It is accepted that middle ear surgery carries a small risk of sensorineural hearing loss. The present study was done to assess the effects of mastoid drilling on hearing loss in operating ear and contralateral ear in cases of CSOM.

Methods 80 patients with CSOM (with or without complications) age group 15 - 60 years attended the ENT outpatient department of Government Medical College and Hospital after taking consent were selected for the study using universal sampling technique, between August 2014 to August 2016.

Results The study was conducted on 80 patients, aged between 15 to 60 years, who underwent ear surgery for CSOM at Government Medical College Hospital, from August 2014 to August 2016. We found no postoperative SNHL in 28 patients, while 52 patients (48 patients with temporary SNHL & 4 patients with permanent SNHL) had suffered from development of mild SNHL after middle ear surgery.

Conclusions Mastoid drilling used during ear surgery can cause mild sensorineural hearing loss in immediate postoperative period in operated ear.