A sensorineural component in chronic otitis media.

Traditionally, it has been accepted that conductive deafness involves a breakdown in the mechanical conduction of sound, whilst the cochlea remains unaffected. Over a ten year period, it was noticed that a number of patients, mainly children, displayed a mild, high-tone sensorineural component to their conductive loss, whereas others tested under identical conditions with parallel etiologies did not. A sample of 80 children with chronic otitis media and sensorineural involvement was selected from Prince Henry's Hospital and Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, and was compared with 80 children with the same histories, but whose audiograms did not display any sensorineural involvement. The results of this study indicate a need for further research into: 1. The establishment of an internationally acceptable terminology. 2. Early detection of chronic otitis media. 3. Medical/surgical management. 4. The effects on hearing, caused by fluctuating nature of chronic otitis media. 5. Educational and social management.