Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

    Background & Aim: Chronic otitis media(COH) refers to change of middle ear mucosa, usually associted with perforated tympanic membrane. However it may be accompained by some etiology without tympanic membrane perforation. It presents with persistant or intermittent otorrhea, hearing loss and acute and serious complications may occur in its course. Chronic infection, due to it's nature, is irreversible and usually surgery is indicated, and various pathologies are noted. The aim of this study is to evaluate various pathologies in cases of COH that have undergone surgery, so a better clinical diagnosis prior to surgery is reached. Patients and Methods: In this prospective cohort study, one hundred patients with chronic otitis media were evaluated 73 males and 27 females in various age ranges, by most frequency 20-30 year olds were evaluated. Preoperative audiometry and radiology were done and then patients were operated. Results: After data collection and analysis, this result was obtained: 86% granulation tissue, 18% cholesteatoma, 32% tympanosclerosis, 4% cholesterol granuloma and 71% ossicular change. Conclusion: Chronic otitis media presents with hearing loss or otorrhea and may be due various etiologies, most commonly by sequense granulation tissue, cholesteatoma, tympanosclerosis, and cholesterol granuloma. Clinical evaluation of the pathology is useful for clearing matters such as treatment strategy, type of surgery, prognosis, and surgical outcome.