Evaluation of hearing loss in tympanic membrane perforation.

To evaluate and analyse the hearing loss in tympanic membrane perforation based on size, site and duration of perforation. The material for this study was comprised of 100 patients of either sex and of age 15 years and above selected randomly. Size of tympanic membrane perforation was assessed under microscope using calibrated wire look. Patients were divided into three groups according to size; group I (0-9 mm(2)), Group II (9-30 mm(2)), Group III (≥ 30 mm(2)); according to site into anterior and posterior group; according to involvement of malleus into malleolar and non malleolar and according to duration into Group A (<1 year), Group B (1-5 years), Group C (≥ 5 years). Hearing loss was measured in each case with pure tone audiometry. Data was analysed statistically using paired t-test. Hearing loss increased as the perforation size increased [I vs. II (t - 4.23, p < 0.001), II vs. III (t - 8.19, p < 0.001), I vs. III (t - 11.68, p < 0.001)]. Hearing loss was more in posterior quadrant perforation than anterior quadrant perforation but difference was not significant statistically (t - 1.15, p > 0.05). Hearing loss was more in malleolar perforation (t - 5.74, p < 0.001). Hearing loss increased as the duration of disease increased [A vs. B (t - 2.01, p < 0.043), A vs. C (t - 5.49, p < 0.001), B vs. C (t - 4.14, p < 0.001)].

Esthesioneuroblastoma a case report.

Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) also known as olfactory neuroblastoma is an uncommon malignant neoplasm arising in the roof of nasal cavity. It is now understood to originate from the olfactory epithelium. Case reports published worldwide have been very few. Common presenting symptoms of Esthesioneuroblastoma include nasal obstruction, epistaxis, facial pain, diplopia, proptosis, and anosmia. Apart from being locally aggressive, it metastasizes widely by both hematogenous and lymphatic routes.

Pleomorphic adenoma of external auditory canal.

Pleomorphic adenoma comprises about 80% of the benign salivary gland tumours and is characterised by a slow growth and a clinically benign course. This tumour is known to occur at various other anatomical locations apart from the major salivary glands. Case reports of this tumour arising from the nasal septum, tongue, turbinate, upper lip, lungs, trachea and lacrimal glands have been found in the literature. But case reports of pleomorphic adenoma from the external auditory canal have been extremely few.

Evaluation of benefits of nasal septal surgery on nasal symptoms and general health.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to analyze the patient's satisfaction following nasal septal surgery based on their subjective opinion and to study whether the SNOT-22 can be used as a reliable outcome measure for successful septal surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Between Oct 2005-July 2007, sixty consecutive adult patients who underwent nasal septal surgery and met the study criterion were enrolled. The patients were asked to fill in the SNOT-22 questionnaire both prior to and at regular follow up periods after the surgery. RESULTS: The mean total preoperative SNOT score (of all 22 items) was 20.67 and the mean total postoperative SNOT-22 score was 10.48 (t = 8.8135, p < 0.001 highly significant). On further analysis, improvement was seen in subcategories of Nasal Symptoms (t = 8.0825, p < 0.001 highly significant), Non Nasal Symptoms (t = 3.0913, p < 0.0025 significant), General health symptoms (t = 4.8602, p < 0.001 highly significant) and Nasal Obstruction (t = 7.7652, p < 0.001 highly significant). CONCLUSION: The SNOT-22 score is a useful and reliable tool in nasal septal surgery in that it combines both nasal specific and quality of life related questions, which can be assessed individually and together both pre and post operatively.