Magnitude of Hearing Loss Concerning the Site of Tympanic Membrane Perforation: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Single Institution in Rawalpindi

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relationship between the site of tympanic membrane perforation and the
magnitude of hearing loss.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of ENT, Combined Military Hospital,
Rawalpindi, Pakistan from 1^st August 2023 to 31^st January 2024.
Methods: Patients aged between 15 and 60 years who presented to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) outdoor
department with dry tympanic membrane perforations were included in the study after obtaining informed
consent. Enrollment was done using a purposive sampling technique, irrespective of age and gender. Exclusion
criteria included profound hearing loss, actively discharging middle ears, cholesteatoma, and cognitive
impairment.
The data were collected using a structured departmental proforma. A detailed history and thorough ENT
examination were performed, followed by referral for audiological assessment. SPSS version 20 was used for
statistical analysis, and a two-tailed P-value of <0.001 was considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 61 patients (52.45% males and 47.54% females) participated, with a mean age of 34.70 ±
11.80 years. The mean hearing loss for posterior perforation was 26.50 ± 5.61 dB, and for anterior perforation, it
was 23.47 ± 6.96 dB. The cases with multiple quadrant perforations showed a mean hearing loss of 41.15 ± 8.65
dB.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates a significant relationship between the site of tympanic membrane
perforation and hearing loss, with greater hearing loss observed in multiple quadrant and posterior-quadrant
perforations. Timely diagnosis and management of middle ear infections can help reduce the burden of hearing
loss associated with tympanic membrane perforations.

How to cite this: Alvie M, Akhtar S, Haleem U, Azhar H, Abbasi T, Malik KZ. The Magnitude of Hearing Loss Concerning the Site of Tympanic Membrane Perforation: A Cross- Sectional Study at a Single Institution in Rawalpindi. Life and Science. 2025; 6(2): 211-216. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.810