Comparative evaluation of hearing efficiency in oral submucous fibrosis and oropharyngeal cancer in central India

Oral cavity diseases have the potential to extend to adjacent structures in the head, neck, and face, potentially leading to significant organ dysfunction and impacting overall health. Among these, oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is particularly associated with hearing impairment. However, limited research exists on the extent of auditory dysfunction in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and its relationship with premalignant conditions like OSMF. This study aims to evaluate and compare hearing efficiency across patients with OSMF, those with OPSCC, and healthy individuals, highlighting the implications for clinical management. 48 participants were recruited and equally divided into three groups: OSMF patients, OPSCC patients, and healthy controls. Comprehensive audiological assessments were performed, and statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 16. Mean differences between groups were evaluated through analysis of variance (ANOVA), while the post hoc Tukey test was employed to analyse proportion differences. A significance threshold of p < 0.05 was adopted for all statistical comparisons. The results revealed a significant decline in hearing efficiency among OPSCC patients compared to healthy controls, with a mean hearing efficiency difference of 19.15 ± 8.17. While OSMF patients exhibited minimal hearing loss, OPSCC patients demonstrated mild but notable hearing impairments. These findings underscore the critical importance of routine audiological evaluations in patients with oral cavity diseases, particularly in those with premalignant and malignant conditions. Early identification and intervention in auditory dysfunction could enhance the quality of life, improve functional outcomes, and inform more comprehensive clinical management strategies for affected patients. The study emphasises the integration of audiological assessments into routine diagnostic and therapeutic protocols for oral cavity diseases.