OBJECTIVETo research the effects of chronic suppurative otitis media on bone conduction threshold in old patients.

METHODSThe files of patients with unilateral chronic otitis media were retrospective analyzed, who were all oder than 60 years, who were inpatient in our department since January 2005 to March 2009. Conventional puretone audiometry test was carried out. Bone conduction thresholds were calculated for frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz, with comparison between the ear with chronic otitis media and contralateral ear. Thresholds were examined separately for each frequency.

RESULTSThe bone conduction threshold for the normal side was lower than those for the ear with chronic otitis media. The threshold shift was statistically significant for each frequency (P < 0.01). There were no differences between the groups when analyzed for the presence of cholesteatoma except at 2 kHz frequencies (Z = -1.975, P = 0.048). There were differences between the groups when analyzed for an interruption of the ossicular chain only at 2 kHz frequencies (Z = -2.721, P = 0.007). There were differences between the groups when the duration of middle ear disease was not same at 1 kHz and 2 kHz frequencies (Z value were -2.877, -2.624, P < 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONSThis study shows that chronic otitis media can enhance bone conduction threshold for old patients. All measures for early cure should be considered as early as possible in oder patients with chronic otitis media to prevent advance of sensorineural hearing loss.