Tinnitus burden in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media undergoing surgery in Nepal: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES

Tinnitus is a common and potentially distressing symptom associated with chronic ear disease. Its burden in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media in low-resource settings is not well characterised.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted during an ear surgery camp in Nepal. One hundred patients with chronic suppurative otitis media completed the validated Nepali Tinnitus Handicap Inventory. Severity was categorised using established grading systems. Associations between sex and severity were assessed using chi-squared analysis.

RESULTS

Nepali Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores ranged from 0 to 94. Overall, 62 per cent of patients reported moderate or worse tinnitus, and 36 per cent reported severe or catastrophic symptoms. Female patients demonstrated a greater burden, with a higher proportion in severe and catastrophic categories. This difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 11.05; df = 4; p = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing surgery for chronic suppurative otitis media experience a substantial and under-recognised tinnitus burden. Routine assessment may support more comprehensive, patient-centred care.