Health-related quality of life measurement in individuals with chronic suppurative otitis media: a South Indian perspective

Abstract

The present study attempted to determine health-related quality of life in individuals with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). COMOT-15 and COMQ-12 questionnaires were administered to 100 individuals with CSOM of South India. The study also attempted to determine the possible predictors (demographic and audiological results) of HRQOL based on demographic details (gender, onset and nature of hearing loss) and pure-tone average. The results of study showed that individuals with CSOM in South India exhibit poor health-related quality of life. The ear-related symptoms and emotional difficulties because of CSOM affect their HRQOL. The study also showed that scores were poorer in individuals with higher degree of loss and longer onset of CSOM. It was also found that gender and nature of hearing loss were poor predictors of HRQOL measures. Thus, it is essential to determine HRQOL measures to understand the problems from the patient’s perspective and provide appropriate management.

Keywords:

• CSOM
• questionnaire
• COMOT-15
• COMQ-12
• HRQOL

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.