CLINICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE OTITIS MEDIA

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) remains a leading cause of preventable hearing loss in low- and middle-income countries, and it is linked to poverty, overcrowding, recurrent upper respiratory infections, malnutrition, and delayed access to treatment. The objective is to assess the clinical and demographic profile for CSOM in patients attending a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based study comprised 60 participants with clinically confirmed mucosal CSOM. Data were gathered using a predesigned semi-structured proforma that included demographic information, symptom profile, otoscopic results, and hearing assessment. The statistical study includes descriptive statistics as well as multivariate analysis to uncover independent predictors of severe disease. Results: The mean age of patients was 35.7 ± 12.77 years, with the largest proportion belonging to the 21 to 30 years age group. Male preponderance was there. Ear discharge (100%) and hearing loss (83.33%) were the most common presenting complaints. Moderately sized perforation (41.67%) was the most common otoscopic and microscopic finding. The mean AB gap was 34.88 (9.28 SD). Conclusion: According to the study's findings, CSOM is a significant health issue affecting people of all ages and genders. The majority of patients have hearing loss and otorrhea. Early diagnosis, evaluation of hearing, and preventive community-level initiatives are all necessary.