Study of Clinical Profile and Comparison of Various Dimensions of Chronic Otitis Media among the Adult and Paediatric Population from Rural Area

Background: The term Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is characterized as "chronic middle ear and mastoid cavity infection, which occurs through tympanic membrane perforation with recurrent ear discharge or otorrhoea . Though there are many similarities between adult and pediatric CSOM in terms of disease progression and pathological changes, there are certain notable differences stemming from temporal bone anatomy and extent of pneumatization, the immaturity of Eustachian Tube in terms of its function and variable progression of disease. Pediatric temporal bone being more pneumatized makes the disease to spread more extensively. Childhood cholesteatoma has much greater rates of residual and recurrence disease than seen in adults. This study is aimed to compare various dimensions of CSOM among the paediatric and adult age group in rural population.

Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study is scheduled from November 2020 to November 2023 in ENT Department of AVBRH, Wardha. Total 50 patients with chronic Otitis Media in the paediatric and adult age group will be enrolled. Baseline investigations will be performed for all patients and compared.

Expected Results: Clinical profile and behavior of chronic otitis media in adult and paediatric population in rural areas will be outlined, emphasizing middle ear changes, grade and extent of retraction pockets and cholesteatoma respectively. Pneumatization of the temporal bone and audiological status will be reported.

Conclusion: Differentiating characteristics of chronic otitis media in adult and paediatric population with specified features will be concluded.